College Comparison
Princeton University vs University of Southern California
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
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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Explore by Location
Princeton is in Princeton, NJ
USC is in Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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.

