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University of Pennsylvania vs University of Southern California

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

University of Pennsylvania
#10
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Private
University of Southern California
#27
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Philadelphia, PA

Los Angeles, CA

Total Enrollment

29,109

46,566

Undergrad Enrollment

11,478

20,630

Student-Faculty Ratio

8:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

5.4%

9.8%

Average GPA

3.96

3.83

SAT Range

1510–1570

1450–1550

ACT Range

34–36

32–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$85

Total Applicants

65,226

82,027


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$75,386

$83,399

Avg Net Price

$31,229

$36,000

Tuition (In-State)

$56,212

$63,468

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$56,212

$63,468

Room & Board

$19,174

$19,931

% Receiving Aid

51.0%

70.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$65,458

$46,897


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

99.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$111,371

$92,498

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Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA

USC is in Los Angeles, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Penn has an acceptance rate of 5%, while USC has an acceptance rate of 10%. This means Penn is more selective than USC.

The average net price at Penn is $31,229 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. Penn is $4,771 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Penn typically score between 1510-1570 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.

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

Penn has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, while USC has a ratio of 9:1. Penn offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Penn, 51% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $65,458. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.

The median earnings for Penn graduates 10 years after enrollment is $111,371, compared to $92,498 for USC graduates. Graduates from Penn tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Penn is located in Philadelphia, PA in a city: large setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.