College Comparison
University of Pennsylvania vs University of Southern California
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
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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Explore by Location
Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA
USC is in Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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.

