College Comparison
USC vs Michigan State: 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
Michigan State
East Lansing, MI
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | USC | Michigan State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.0%wins | 83.9% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1440–1550wins | 1150–1350 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–35wins | 26–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $68,237 | $43,372wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,927 | $20,751wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,498wins | $67,253 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.0%wins | 82.2% |
| Retention Rate | 96.5%wins | 91.4% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1wins | 17:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 20,817 | 40,243wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, USC edges out Michigan State on 7 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
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 10.0%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1440–1550
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,498
Michigan State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $43,372
- ✓Avg Net Price: $20,751
- ✓Total Enrollment: 40,243
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