College Comparison
USC vs RPI: 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
RPI
Troy, NY
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | USC | RPI |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.0%wins | 58.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1440–1550wins | 1330–1500 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–35wins | 30–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $68,237 | $61,884wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,927wins | $33,139 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,498 | $102,051wins |
| Graduation Rate | 92.0%wins | 83.2% |
| Retention Rate | 96.5%wins | 88.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1wins | 14:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 20,817wins | 5,909 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, USC edges out RPI 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
RPI Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $61,884
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $102,051
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