Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Cornell
$331,176
4-year total (private)
VS
USC
$344,488
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Cornell = $146,576 | USC = $175,048. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Cornell Top Majors
EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyHotel AdministrationUSC Top Majors
BusinessFilmComputer ScienceEngineeringCommunication
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cornell or USC harder to get into?+
Cornell is more selective with an acceptance rate of 7.9% compared to 9.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Cornell or USC?+
At sticker price, Cornell costs less over 4 years ($331,176 vs $344,488). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Cornell offers an average of $46,150/year in aid while USC offers $42,360/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Cornell and USC?+
The average SAT score at Cornell is 1520 and at USC it is 1480. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do Cornell or USC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Cornell have a higher average starting salary ($83,100 vs $78,900). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
Cornell has a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio while USC has 9:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Cornell and USC compare for campus life?+
Cornell is located in Ithaca, New York (rural setting) with a 2,300-acre campus. USC is in Los Angeles, California (urban setting) with 229 acres. Cornell competes in NCAA D1 athletics and USC in NCAA D1.