College Comparison
USC vs Northwestern University: 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
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | USC | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.0% | 7.1%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1440–1550 | 1490–1560wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–35 | 33–35wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $68,237 | $65,997wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,927 | $27,143wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,498wins | $89,363 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.0% | 95.9%wins |
| Retention Rate | 96.5% | 97.4%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1 | 6:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 20,817wins | 8,960 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Northwestern edges out USC on 8 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
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,498
- ✓Total Enrollment: 20,817
Northwestern Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 7.1%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1490–1560
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $65,997
Want a deeper comparison?
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