College Comparison
USC vs Amherst College: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
USC
Los Angeles, CA
School
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | USC | Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.0% | 9.8%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1440–1550wins | 1360–1550 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–35wins | 31–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $68,237 | $67,280wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,927 | $18,246wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,498wins | $77,644 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.0% | 93.4%wins |
| Retention Rate | 96.5% | 96.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1 | 7:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 20,817wins | 1,907 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Amherst edges out USC on 6 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.
USC Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1440–1550
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,498
- ✓Total Enrollment: 20,817
Amherst Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 9.8%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $67,280
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,246
- ✓Graduation Rate: 93.4%
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