College Comparison
Yale University vs USC: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Yale University
New Haven, CT
School
USC
Los Angeles, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Yale | USC |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5%wins | 10.0% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580wins | 1440–1550 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35wins | 32–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $64,700wins | $68,237 |
| Avg Net Price | $27,818wins | $31,927 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $100,533wins | $92,498 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.3%wins | 92.0% |
| Retention Rate | 99.0%wins | 96.5% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 9:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 6,811 | 20,817wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Yale edges out USC on 9 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.
Yale Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.5%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1580
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $64,700
USC Strengths
- ✓Total Enrollment: 20,817
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