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College Comparison

University of Chicago vs University of Southern California

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

University of Chicago
#12
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Private
University of Southern California
#27
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Chicago, IL

Los Angeles, CA

Total Enrollment

18,566

46,566

Undergrad Enrollment

7,598

20,630

Student-Faculty Ratio

5:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

4.5%

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

$75

$85

Total Applicants

43,612

82,027


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,288

$83,399

Avg Net Price

$18,967

$36,000

Tuition (In-State)

$61,179

$63,468

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$61,179

$63,468

Room & Board

$20,109

$19,931

% Receiving Aid

47.0%

70.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$62,300

$46,897


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

91.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

99.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$91,885

$92,498

More Comparisons
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Chicago is in Chicago, IL

USC is in Los Angeles, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The average net price at University of Chicago is $18,967 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. University of Chicago is $17,033 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at University of Chicago 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.

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

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

At University of Chicago, 47% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $62,300. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.

The median earnings for University of Chicago graduates 10 years after enrollment is $91,885, 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.

University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL in a city: large setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.