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Stanford University vs University of Southern California

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

Stanford University
#3
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Private
University of Southern California
#27
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Stanford, CA

Los Angeles, CA

Total Enrollment

18,625

46,566

Undergrad Enrollment

7,904

20,630

Student-Faculty Ratio

6:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

3.6%

9.8%

Average GPA

3.96

3.83

SAT Range

1510–1580

1450–1550

ACT Range

34–35

32–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$90

$85

Total Applicants

57,326

82,027


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$79,018

$83,399

Avg Net Price

$26,000

$36,000

Tuition (In-State)

$57,693

$63,468

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$57,693

$63,468

Room & Board

$21,325

$19,931

% Receiving Aid

61.0%

70.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$62,755

$46,897


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

78.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$124,080

$92,498

More Comparisons
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Stanford is in Stanford, CA

USC is in Los Angeles, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%, while USC has an acceptance rate of 10%. This means Stanford University is more selective than USC.

The average net price at Stanford University is $26,000 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. Stanford University is $10,000 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Stanford 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.

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

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

At Stanford University, 61% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $62,755. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.

The median earnings for Stanford University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $124,080, compared to $92,498 for USC graduates. Graduates from Stanford University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Stanford University is located in Stanford, CA in a suburb: large setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.