College Research

CollegesRankingsMajors

College Comparison

Northeastern University vs University of Southern California

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Northeastern University
#64
Northeastern University
Boston, MA
Private
University of Southern California
#27
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Boston, MA

Los Angeles, CA

Total Enrollment

32,553

46,566

Undergrad Enrollment

17,432

20,630

Student-Faculty Ratio

16:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

5.2%

9.8%

Average GPA

4.00

3.83

SAT Range

1440–1540

1450–1550

ACT Range

33–35

32–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$85

Total Applicants

98,425

82,027


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,680

$83,399

Avg Net Price

$32,116

$36,000

Tuition (In-State)

$59,100

$63,468

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$59,100

$63,468

Room & Board

$19,580

$19,931

% Receiving Aid

66.0%

70.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$50,421

$46,897


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

35.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$92,538

$92,498

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Northeastern is in Boston, MA

USC is in Los Angeles, CA

Want to compare different schools?
Frequently Asked Questions

Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%, while USC has an acceptance rate of 10%. This means Northeastern University is more selective than USC.

The average net price at Northeastern University is $32,116 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. Northeastern University is $3,884 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Northeastern University typically score between 1440-1540 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At USC, the typical SAT range is 1450-1550. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Northeastern University has a graduation rate of 90%, while USC has a graduation rate of 93%. USC has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Northeastern University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, while USC has a ratio of 9:1. USC offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Northeastern University, 66% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $50,421. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.

The median earnings for Northeastern University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $92,538, compared to $92,498 for USC graduates. Graduates from Northeastern University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA in a city: large setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.