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Princeton University vs University of Southern California

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

Princeton University
#4
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
Private
University of Southern California
#27
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Princeton, NJ

Los Angeles, CA

Total Enrollment

9,137

46,566

Undergrad Enrollment

5,813

20,630

Student-Faculty Ratio

5:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

4.6%

9.8%

Average GPA

4.00

3.83

SAT Range

1510–1580

1450–1550

ACT Range

34–35

32–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$70

$85

Total Applicants

40,468

82,027


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$77,660

$83,399

Avg Net Price

$10,555

$36,000

Tuition (In-State)

$57,410

$63,468

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$57,410

$63,468

Room & Board

$20,250

$19,931

% Receiving Aid

67.0%

70.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$68,727

$46,897


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

98.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$110,066

$92,498

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Princeton is in Princeton, NJ

USC is in Los Angeles, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The average net price at Princeton University is $10,555 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. Princeton University is $25,445 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Princeton University typically score between 1510-1580 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.

Princeton University has a graduation rate of 98%, while USC has a graduation rate of 93%. Princeton University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Princeton University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, while USC has a ratio of 9:1. Princeton University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Princeton University, 67% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $68,727. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.

The median earnings for Princeton University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $110,066, compared to $92,498 for USC graduates. Graduates from Princeton University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Princeton University is located in Princeton, NJ in a city: small setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.