College Comparison
University of Southern California vs Washington University in St Louis
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Saint Louis, MO
Total Enrollment
46,566
16,357
Undergrad Enrollment
20,630
8,220
Student-Faculty Ratio
9:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
9.8%
12.1%
Average GPA
3.83
3.96
SAT Range
1450–1550
1500–1570
ACT Range
32–35
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$85
$75
Total Applicants
82,027
32,754
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$83,399
$81,274
Avg Net Price
$36,000
$22,117
Tuition (In-State)
$63,468
$59,420
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$63,468
$59,420
Room & Board
$19,931
$21,854
% Receiving Aid
70.0%
49.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$46,897
$66,080
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
93.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
96.0%
95.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$92,498
$86,182
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Explore by Location
USC is in Los Angeles, CA
Washington in St Louis is in Saint Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at USC is $36,000 per year, compared to $22,117 at Washington University in St Louis. Washington University in St Louis is $13,883 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at USC typically score between 1450-1550 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Washington University in St Louis, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
USC has a graduation rate of 93%, while Washington University in St Louis has a graduation rate of 92%. USC has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
USC has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, while Washington University in St Louis has a ratio of 7:1. Washington University in St Louis offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At USC, 70% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $46,897. At Washington University in St Louis, 49% of students receive aid with an average grant of $66,080.
The median earnings for USC graduates 10 years after enrollment is $92,498, compared to $86,182 for Washington University in St Louis graduates. Graduates from USC tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting. Washington University in St Louis is located in Saint Louis, MO in a suburb: large setting.