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University of Southern California and Stanford University are both private nonprofit institutions — University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA and Stanford University in Stanford, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Los Angeles, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 9.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 20,443
Tuition: $72,097/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 91.8%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Social sciences, Visual and performing arts
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Los Angeles, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Social sciences.
Stanford, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 3.6%
Undergrad enrollment: 7,554
Tuition: $65,910/year
Student-faculty ratio: 6.0:1
Graduation rate: 91.9%
Top programs: Computer science, Social sciences, Engineering
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Stanford, CA with published program strength in Computer science and Social sciences.
| Factor | University of Southern California | Stanford University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% | 3.6% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1450–1550 |
| 1510–1580 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 32–35 | 34–35 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 20,443 | 7,554 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $72,097/year | $65,910/year |
| Average net price after aid | $32,740 | $13,807 |
| Graduation rate | 91.8% | 91.9% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $92,498 | $124,080 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Los Angeles, CA | Stanford, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Visual and performing arts | Computer science, Social sciences, Engineering |
Stanford University is more selective (3.6% vs 9.8% acceptance rate). Stanford University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($13,807 vs $32,740). Both report a similar graduation rate (91.8%). University of Southern California is the larger undergraduate campus (20,443 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
University of Southern California vs University of California-Los Angeles
9.8% vs 9.0% acceptance rate
University of Southern California vs University of California-Berkeley
9.8% vs 11.0% acceptance rate
University of Southern California vs Claremont McKenna College
9.8% vs 9.6% acceptance rate
University of Southern California vs Pomona College
9.8% vs 7.1% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between University of Southern California and Stanford University
University of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 9.8%; Stanford University is around 3.6%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of Southern California tuition is $72,097/year. Stanford University is $65,910/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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