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University of Southern California vs New York University

University of Southern California is a private university in Los Angeles, CA. New York University is a private university in New York, NY. New York University admits about 9% of applicants and University of Southern California about 10%, making New York University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $32,740 a year at University of Southern California after aid, and about $37,050 at New York University. About 92% of students graduate at University of Southern California, compared with 88% at New York University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Southern California alumni earn a median of about $92,498, against $82,509 for New York University.

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University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

New York University

New York, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Los Angeles, CA
New York, NY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
20,443
28,663
Acceptance rate
10%
9%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1450–1550
1480–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
32–35
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$32,740
$37,050
Full cost / yr
$90,300
$84,374
In-state tuition
$72,097
$62,796
Out-of-state tuition
$72,097
$62,796
Application fee
$85
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,516
$16,977
$30k - $48k
$14,394
$14,017
$48k - $75k
$19,539
$16,862
$75k - $110k
$24,976
$32,766
Over $110k
$56,116
$66,876
Outcomes
Graduation rate
92%
88%
Freshman retention
96%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$74,461
$64,543
Median earnings (10 yr)
$92,498
$82,509
Median debt at graduation
$18,000
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
18%
First-generation students
25%
21%
International students
13%
26%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 10
Jan 5

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 New York University harder to get into?
New York University is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 10% 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.
Which is cheaper, University of Southern California or New York University?
University of Southern California is cheaper on average. Students pay about $32,740 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $37,050 at New York University. 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 New York University?
Before aid, New York University costs about $84,374 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 New York University?
University of Southern California. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,516 there, against about $16,977 at New York 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 New York University?
New York University is the larger of the two, with about 28,663 undergraduates against 20,443 at University of Southern California.
Does University of Southern California or New York University have a better graduation rate?
University of Southern California has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 88% at New York University.
Do graduates of University of Southern California or New York University earn more?
University of Southern California alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,498 ten years after enrolling, against about $82,509 for New York University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Southern California and New York University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Southern California is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. New York University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Southern California and New York University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1450–1550 at University of Southern California and 1480–1560 at New York University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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