HomeCompare › Georgia Tech vs USC

Georgia Tech vs USC

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
9.2% USC acceptance
$158,744 Georgia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban
USC
Los Angeles, California
Private
Founded
1880
Enrollment
49,500
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgia Tech saves $32,846
Georgia Tech
$33,794
USC
$66,640
Acceptance Rate USC more selective
Georgia Tech
16.0%
USC
9.2%
Graduation Rate USC higher
Georgia Tech
90%
USC
92%
Avg SAT Score USC higher
Georgia Tech
1450
USC
1480
Starting Salary Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
$83,600
USC
$78,900

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgia Tech USC Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,794$66,640Georgia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$12,682$66,640Georgia Tech
Room & Board$12,642$19,482Georgia Tech
Acceptance Rate16.0%9.2%USC
Graduation Rate90%92%USC
Average SAT14501480USC
Student-Faculty Ratio15:19:1USC
Enrollment47,28549,500-
Avg Financial Aid$16,280$42,360USC
Starting Salary$83,600$78,900Georgia Tech
Endowment$4.2B$8.1BUSC
Campus Size400 acres229 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
USC
$344,488
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgia Tech = $120,624 | USC = $175,048. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

USC Top Majors

BusinessFilmComputer ScienceEngineeringCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Georgia TechUrban
USCUrban
Campus Size
Georgia Tech400 ac
USC229 ac
Athletics
Georgia TechNCAA D1
USCNCAA D1
Region
Georgia TechSouth
USCWest
Founded
Georgia Tech1885
USC1880
Enrollment
Georgia Tech47,285
USC49,500

Need Help Choosing Between Georgia Tech & USC?

Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.

Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation ✓ Expert admissions advisors ✓ No obligation

Helpful Resources

Tools and services to help with your college journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia Tech or USC harder to get into?+
USC is more selective with an acceptance rate of 9.2% compared to 16.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Tech or USC?+
At sticker price, Georgia Tech costs less over 4 years ($185,744 vs $344,488). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgia Tech offers an average of $16,280/year in aid while USC offers $42,360/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgia Tech and USC?+
The average SAT score at Georgia Tech is 1450 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 Georgia Tech or USC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($83,600 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?+
Georgia Tech has a 15:1 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 Georgia Tech and USC compare for campus life?+
Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with a 400-acre campus. USC is in Los Angeles, California (urban setting) with 229 acres. Georgia Tech competes in NCAA D1 athletics and USC in NCAA D1.