USC vs. Penn

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA with University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Southern California is larger than Penn based on total student enrollment (46,566 students vs. 29,109 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Southern California is located in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting); University of Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• University of Southern California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Pennsylvania is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Southern California 9:1; University of Pennsylvania 8:1.

USC vs. Penn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USC or Penn? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Pennsylvania than USC ($23,570 vs. $43,412).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Pennsylvania are 3.8% lower than at University of Southern California ($19,174 vs. $19,931).
• University of Southern California is 5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn (about $3,411 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $68,686.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5% higher at USC than at University of Pennsylvania (about $3,411 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $68,686.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Southern California than at University of Pennsylvania (70% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Pennsylvania students is 39.6% larger than aid received by University of Southern California students ($65,458 vs. $46,897).

USC vs. Penn Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USC or Penn? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Penn and USC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Pennsylvania (1540) is 40 points higher than at USC (1500).
• Incoming Penn students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 33 at USC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern California 1450/1550; University of Pennsylvania 1510/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern California 32/35; University of Pennsylvania 34/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USC - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Penn - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Penn Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at USC (3.83).
• USC has a higher acceptance rate (9.8%) than Penn (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 43.3% at USC vs. 68% at Penn.

USC vs. Penn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USC and Penn? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than University of Southern California's (90%).
• Graduates from University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $38,100 more per year than USC graduates about ten years after starting college ($123,600 vs. $85,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $1,742 lower median loan debt than USC graduates ($20,633 vs. $22,375).
• Among borrowers, Penn graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC graduates ($213 vs. $231).
• More Penn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USC students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 81%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.