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Swarthmore College vs University of Southern California

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

Swarthmore College
#28
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Private
University of Southern California
#27
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Swarthmore, PA

Los Angeles, CA

Total Enrollment

1,623

46,566

Undergrad Enrollment

1,623

20,630

Student-Faculty Ratio

7:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

7.5%

9.8%

Average GPA

3.93

3.83

SAT Range

1490–1560

1450–1550

ACT Range

33–35

32–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$60

$85

Total Applicants

13,065

82,027


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$79,236

$83,399

Avg Net Price

$18,686

$36,000

Tuition (In-State)

$58,928

$63,468

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$58,928

$63,468

Room & Board

$20,308

$19,931

% Receiving Aid

57.0%

70.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,634

$46,897


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

94.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$80,257

$92,498

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Swarthmore is in Swarthmore, PA

USC is in Los Angeles, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Swarthmore College has an acceptance rate of 7%, while USC has an acceptance rate of 10%. This means Swarthmore College is more selective than USC.

The average net price at Swarthmore College is $18,686 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. Swarthmore College is $17,314 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Swarthmore College typically score between 1490-1560 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.

Swarthmore College has a graduation rate of 94%, while USC has a graduation rate of 93%. Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Swarthmore College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, while USC has a ratio of 9:1. Swarthmore College offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Swarthmore College, 57% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,634. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.

The median earnings for Swarthmore College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $80,257, 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.

Swarthmore College is located in Swarthmore, PA in a suburb: large setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.