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Southern Methodist University vs University of Southern California

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

Southern Methodist University
#59
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
Private
University of Southern California
#27
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Dallas, TX

Los Angeles, CA

Total Enrollment

12,116

46,566

Undergrad Enrollment

7,285

20,630

Student-Faculty Ratio

11:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

63.4%

9.8%

Average GPA

3.66

3.83

SAT Range

1340–1490

1450–1550

ACT Range

30–34

32–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$60

$85

Total Applicants

15,245

82,027


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$74,076

$83,399

Avg Net Price

$41,778

$36,000

Tuition (In-State)

$55,012

$63,468

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$55,012

$63,468

Room & Board

$19,064

$19,931

% Receiving Aid

67.0%

70.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$37,520

$46,897


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

82.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

75.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

91.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$78,354

$92,498

More Comparisons
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Southern Methodist is in Dallas, TX

USC is in Los Angeles, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%, while USC has an acceptance rate of 10%. This means USC is more selective than Southern Methodist University.

The average net price at Southern Methodist University is $41,778 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. USC is $5,778 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Southern Methodist University typically score between 1340-1490 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.

Southern Methodist University has a graduation rate of 82%, while USC has a graduation rate of 93%. USC has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Southern Methodist University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, while USC has a ratio of 9:1. USC offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Southern Methodist University, 67% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $37,520. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.

The median earnings for Southern Methodist University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $78,354, 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.

Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX in a suburb: large setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.