Skip to content

University of Southern California vs Ashford University

University of Southern California is a private university in Los Angeles, CA. Ashford University is a private for-profit university in San Diego, CA. University of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants and Ashford University about 100%, making University of Southern California the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $31,266 a year at Ashford University after aid, and about $32,740 at University of Southern California. About 92% of students graduate at University of Southern California, compared with 10% at Ashford University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Southern California alumni earn a median of about $92,498, against $35,404 for Ashford University.

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

Ashford University

San Diego, CA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
20,443
20,152
Acceptance rate
10%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1450–1550
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
32–35
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$32,740
$31,266
Full cost / yr
$90,300
$37,594
In-state tuition
$72,097
$11,960
Out-of-state tuition
$72,097
$11,960
Application fee
$85
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,516
$31,009
$30k - $48k
$14,394
$31,862
$48k - $75k
$19,539
$33,319
$75k - $110k
$24,976
$32,953
Over $110k
$56,116
$33,593
Outcomes
Graduation rate
92%
10%
Freshman retention
96%
35%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$74,461
$33,397
Median earnings (10 yr)
$92,498
$35,404
Median debt at graduation
$18,000
$31,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
32%
First-generation students
25%
54%
International students
13%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 10
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Southern California or Ashford University harder to get into?
University of Southern California is harder to get into. It admits about 10% of applicants, compared with 100% at Ashford University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Southern California or Ashford University?
Ashford University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $31,266 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,740 at University of Southern California. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Southern California and Ashford University?
Before aid, Ashford University costs about $37,594 a year and University of Southern California about $90,300. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Southern California or Ashford University?
University of Southern California. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,516 there, against about $31,009 at Ashford University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Southern California or Ashford University?
University of Southern California is the larger of the two, with about 20,443 undergraduates against 20,152 at Ashford University.
Does University of Southern California or Ashford University have a better graduation rate?
University of Southern California has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 10% at Ashford University.
Do graduates of University of Southern California or Ashford University earn more?
University of Southern California alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,498 ten years after enrolling, against about $35,404 for Ashford University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Southern California and Ashford University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Southern California is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Ashford University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school