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College comparison
Northwestern vs USC
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Northwestern Evanston, IL |  USC Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateNorthwestern University is more selective | 8% | 10% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1570 | 1450–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 9,201 | 20,443 |
| Avg net price | $29,167 | $32,740 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)USC reports higher median earnings | $89,363 | $92,498 |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 92% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $18,000 |
| Economic mobility | 1.7% | 3.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Northwestern vs USC: how they compare
Both Northwestern and USC are private research universities in major city settings, offering distinct value propositions and campus cultures.
By the numbers Northwestern is slightly more selective, with an 8% acceptance rate and a higher SAT 25–75 percentile range (1510–1570 vs. USC's 1450–1550). It offers a marginally better financial value, with an average net price of $29k yielding 3.1× in 10-year median earnings ($89k) per dollar spent, compared to USC's 2.8× return on a $33k net price for $92k in earnings. Northwestern has a higher graduation rate (95% vs. 92%) and lower admit-rate volatility (30% vs. 62%). However, USC demonstrates a significantly stronger economic-mobility rate (393% vs. 169%) and a slightly higher DOE financial-health score (2.5/3 vs. 2.2/3).
Where they overlap Both are prestigious institutions known for strong academics and flexible programs. They share an urban setting, though their campuses offer very different environments.
How they differ The campus cultures and locations create a contrast. Northwestern is known for its traditional lakeside campus in Evanston, just outside Chicago. USC, located in Los Angeles, is recognized for a vibrant student life with school spirit around athletics and access to the opportunities of Southern California.
Who each suits Northwestern may suit a student seeking a rigorous academic environment within a classic collegiate setting. USC could be a choice for a student prioritizing an undergraduate experience with access to industries like entertainment, technology, and business in a major city. The decision often hinges on the preferred balance between academic intensity and lifestyle.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Northwestern University or University of Southern California harder to get into?
- Northwestern University is more selective: Northwestern University's acceptance rate is approximately 8% and University of Southern California's is approximately 10% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Northwestern University vs University of Southern California?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1570 at Northwestern University and 1450–1550 at University of Southern California. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.