College Comparison
USC vs Penn 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
Penn State
University Park, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | USC | Penn State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.0%wins | 54.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1440–1550wins | 1220–1400 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–35wins | 27–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $68,237 | $40,188wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,927wins | $32,598 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,498wins | $63,435 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.0%wins | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 96.5%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1wins | 15:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 20,817 | 41,862wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, USC edges out Penn State 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
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 10.0%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1440–1550
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–35
- ✓Avg Net Price: $31,927
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,188
- ✓Total Enrollment: 41,862
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