College comparison

Stanford 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	Stanford Stanford, CA	USC Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance rateStanford University is more selective	4%	10%
SAT (25–75)	1510–1580	1450–1550
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	7,554	20,443
Avg net price	$13,807	$32,740
Median earnings (10 yr)Stanford reports higher median earnings	$124,080	$92,498
Graduation rate	92%	92%
Median debt	$12,000	$18,000
Economic mobility	2.2%	3.9%
Test policy	test-required	—
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Private (nonprofit)

Quick answers

Is Stanford University or University of Southern California harder to get into?

Stanford University is more selective: Stanford University's acceptance rate is approximately 4% and University of Southern California's is approximately 10% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Stanford University vs University of Southern California?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Stanford 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.