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College comparison
USC vs Williams
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 |  Williams Williamstown, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateWilliams College is more selective | 10% | 8% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1450–1550 | 1490–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 20,443 | 2,076 |
| Avg net price | $32,740 | $17,716 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)USC reports higher median earnings | $92,498 | $88,665 |
| Graduation rate | 92% | 94% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $12,761 |
| Economic mobility | 3.9% | 1.0% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
USC vs Williams: how they compare
Two elite institutions offering profoundly different paths: a major private research university in Los Angeles versus a top-tier liberal arts college in rural New England.
By the numbers According to AdmitQuant's verified data, Williams College (8% acceptance, SAT 1490–1570) is slightly more selective than University of Southern California (10% acceptance, SAT 1450–1550). Financially, Williams presents a stronger value proposition: its average net price is $18k versus USC's $33k, and it delivers 5.0× earnings per dollar of net price compared to USC's 2.8×, despite USC's 10-year median earnings being slightly higher ($92k vs. $89k). Williams also shows superior institutional stability with a perfect 3.0/3 DOE financial-health score (USC: 2.5/3) and a higher graduation rate (94% vs. 92%). However, USC excels in economic mobility, with a rate of 393% vastly exceeding Williams's 99%.
Where they overlap Both are highly selective, private institutions with strong graduation rates and excellent long-term earnings outcomes for graduates. They attract high-achieving, academically driven students.
How they differ The environments are opposites. USC is a large, spirited research university embedded in Los Angeles, known for its vibrant campus life, major NCAA Division I athletics, and proximity to industry. Williams offers an intimate, residential liberal arts experience in a small New England town, with a focus on close faculty mentorship, Division III athletics, and a campus-centric social life.
Who each suits USC suits the student seeking a dynamic, large-university experience with the energy of a global city, big-time sports, and direct pathways into fields like engineering, business, and entertainment. Williams is ideal for the student who prioritizes a tight-knit academic community, immersive liberal arts education, and a serene, collaborative campus environment removed from urban distractions.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is University of Southern California or Williams College harder to get into?
- Williams College is more selective: University of Southern California's acceptance rate is approximately 10% and Williams College's is approximately 8% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for University of Southern California vs Williams College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1450–1550 at University of Southern California and 1490–1570 at Williams College. 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.