Academic Comparison between Stanford University and USC

Stanford University and University of Southern California are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit) and located in California

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit) schools.
  • USC has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,237) than Stanford University ($62,484).
  • It is harder to admit to Stanford University than USC.
  • Stanford University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,550) than USC (1,510).
  • Stanford University has higher submitted ACT score (35) than USC (33).
  • USC has more students with 48,945 students while Stanford University has 18,283 students.
  • Stanford University has a lower number of students per faculty with 5 to 1 while USC's ratio is 9 to 1.
  • Stanford University has more full-time faculties with 3,724 faculties while USC has 2,403 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Stanford Universityvs.University of Southern California
Stanford, CaliforniaLocationLos Angeles, California
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$62,4842024 Tuition & Fees$68,237
63%% Receiving Financial Aid68%
$56,737Average Amount of Financial Aid$43,570
4.00 %Acceptance Rates10.00 %
81.01 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)44.99 %
1,550SAT Score1,510
35ACT Score33
95 %Graduation Rate92 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
98 %Retention Rate97 %
18,283Student Population48,945
3,724Number of Faculties2,403
5 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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