College Comparison
Harvard University vs USC: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
School
USC
Los Angeles, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Harvard | USC |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 3.5%wins | 10.0% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580wins | 1440–1550 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–36wins | 32–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $59,076wins | $68,237 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,816wins | $31,927 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $101,817wins | $92,498 |
| Graduation Rate | 97.3%wins | 92.0% |
| Retention Rate | 98.6%wins | 96.5% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 7:1wins | 9:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,755 | 20,817wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Harvard edges out USC on 9 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Harvard Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 3.5%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1580
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–36
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $59,076
USC Strengths
- ✓Total Enrollment: 20,817
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.