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College comparison
USC vs Washington & Lee
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 |  USC Los Angeles, CA |  Washington & Lee Lexington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of Southern California is more selective | 10% | 14% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1450–1550 | 1430–1540 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 20,443 | 1,881 |
| Avg net price | $32,740 | $23,781 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Washington & Lee reports higher median earnings | $92,498 | $94,810 |
| Graduation rate | 92% | 94% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $19,500 |
| Economic mobility | 3.9% | 0.6% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
USC vs Washington & Lee: how they compare
For an affluent, data-driven family, the choice between USC and Washington and Lee is a contrast between a large, urban research university and a small, traditional liberal arts college.
By the numbers The core quantitative trade-off is value versus mobility and scale. Washington and Lee presents a stronger financial proposition, with a lower average net price ($24k vs. $33k) and a superior value multiplier (4.0x vs. 2.8x) earnings per dollar of net price, leading to slightly higher 10-year median earnings ($95k vs. $92k). USC is more selective (10% vs. 14% acceptance) and excels in economic mobility, with a rate of 393% versus 57%, indicating it is a powerful engine for elevating lower-income students. USC also shows higher admit-rate volatility (62% vs. 54%) and a slightly stronger DOE financial-health score (2.5 vs. 2.3/3). Both have exceptional graduation rates (92% and 94%).
Where they overlap Both are highly selective, prestigious institutions with outstanding graduation outcomes and strong alumni networks that actively support graduates in their respective professional spheres.
How they differ The experiences are fundamentally different. USC offers a spirited college experience in Los Angeles, with deep immersion in a global metropolis. Washington and Lee provides a more intimate, traditional liberal arts environment on a beautiful campus in a Virginia college town, emphasizing close student-faculty relationships and a tight-knit community.
Who each suits USC suits the student seeking a massive alumni network across diverse industries and a dynamic urban setting. Washington and Lee is ideal for a student who prefers a structured, collegial environment with a strong honor code and values a high-touch liberal arts education. The choice hinges on the student’s preference for scale and city buzz versus tradition and a focused community.
Quick answers
- Is University of Southern California or Washington and Lee University harder to get into?
- University of Southern California is more selective: University of Southern California's acceptance rate is approximately 10% and Washington and Lee University's is approximately 14% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for University of Southern California vs Washington and Lee University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1450–1550 at University of Southern California and 1430–1540 at Washington and Lee University. 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.