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University of Southern California vs Stanford University

University of Southern California is a private university in Los Angeles, CA. Stanford University is a private university in Stanford, CA. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants and University of Southern California about 10%, making Stanford University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,807 a year at Stanford University after aid, and about $32,740 at University of Southern California. About 92% of students graduate at both. Ten years after enrolling, Stanford University alumni earn a median of about $124,080, against $92,498 for University of Southern California.

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University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Stanford, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
20,443
7,554
Acceptance rate
10%
4%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1450–1550
1510–1580
ACT (middle 50%)
32–35
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$32,740
$13,807
Full cost / yr
$90,300
$87,833
In-state tuition
$72,097
$65,910
Out-of-state tuition
$72,097
$65,910
Application fee
$85
$90
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,516
$0*
$30k - $48k
$14,394
$0*
$48k - $75k
$19,539
$3,212
$75k - $110k
$24,976
$11,092
Over $110k
$56,116
$53,882
Outcomes
Graduation rate
92%
92%
Freshman retention
96%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$74,461
$102,887
Median earnings (10 yr)
$92,498
$124,080
Median debt at graduation
$18,000
$12,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
19%
First-generation students
25%
30%
International students
13%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 10
Jan 5

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

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 Stanford University harder to get into?
Stanford University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% 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 Stanford University?
Stanford University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,807 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 Stanford University?
Before aid, Stanford University costs about $87,833 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 Stanford University?
Stanford University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,536 there, against about $13,516 at University of Southern California. 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 Stanford University?
University of Southern California is the larger of the two, with about 20,443 undergraduates against 7,554 at Stanford University.
Does University of Southern California or Stanford University have a better graduation rate?
Both graduate about 92% of their students.
Do graduates of University of Southern California or Stanford University earn more?
Stanford University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $124,080 ten years after enrolling, against about $92,498 for University of Southern California. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Southern California and Stanford University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Southern California is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Stanford University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do University of Southern California and Stanford University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1450–1550 at University of Southern California and 1510–1580 at Stanford 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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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school