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Northwestern University vs University of Southern California

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

Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
University of Southern California
#27
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Evanston, IL

Los Angeles, CA

Total Enrollment

23,856

46,566

Undergrad Enrollment

9,399

20,630

Student-Faculty Ratio

6:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

7.7%

9.8%

Average GPA

4.00

3.83

SAT Range

1510–1570

1450–1550

ACT Range

33–35

32–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$85

Total Applicants

49,474

82,027


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$83,517

$83,399

Avg Net Price

$27,143

$36,000

Tuition (In-State)

$62,391

$63,468

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,391

$63,468

Room & Board

$21,126

$19,931

% Receiving Aid

53.0%

70.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$64,429

$46,897


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$89,363

$92,498

More Comparisons
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Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

USC is in Los Angeles, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%, while USC has an acceptance rate of 10%. This means Northwestern University is more selective than USC.

The average net price at Northwestern University is $27,143 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. Northwestern University is $8,857 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Northwestern University typically score between 1510-1570 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.

Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%, while USC has a graduation rate of 93%. Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Northwestern University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while USC has a ratio of 9:1. Northwestern University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Northwestern University, 53% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $64,429. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.

The median earnings for Northwestern University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $89,363, compared to $92,498 for USC graduates. Graduates from USC tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.