College Comparison
USC vs Vanderbilt 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
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | USC | Vanderbilt |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.0% | 6.3%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1440–1550 | 1510–1560wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–35 | 34–35wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $68,237 | $63,946wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,927 | $19,040wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,498wins | $91,565 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.0% | 92.7%wins |
| Retention Rate | 96.5%wins | 96.4% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1 | 7:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 20,817wins | 7,143 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Vanderbilt edges out USC 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
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,498
- ✓Retention Rate: 96.5%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 20,817
Vanderbilt Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.3%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1560
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $63,946
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.