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Harvard University vs USC

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

3.2% Harvard acceptance
9.2% USC acceptance
$25,816 Harvard cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Harvard
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1636
Enrollment
31,345
Setting
Urban
USC
Los Angeles, California
Private
Founded
1880
Enrollment
49,500
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Harvard saves $7,564
Harvard
$59,076
USC
$66,640
Acceptance Rate Harvard more selective
Harvard
3.2%
USC
9.2%
Graduation Rate Harvard higher
Harvard
97%
USC
92%
Avg SAT Score Harvard higher
Harvard
1550
USC
1480
Starting Salary Harvard higher
Harvard
$95,500
USC
$78,900

Detailed Comparison

Metric Harvard USC Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$59,076$66,640Harvard
Tuition (In-State)$59,076$66,640Harvard
Room & Board$20,592$19,482USC
Acceptance Rate3.2%9.2%Harvard
Graduation Rate97%92%Harvard
Average SAT15501480Harvard
Student-Faculty Ratio5:19:1Harvard
Enrollment31,34549,500-
Avg Financial Aid$60,157$42,360Harvard
Starting Salary$95,500$78,900Harvard
Endowment$50.9B$8.1BHarvard
Campus Size5,076 acres229 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Harvard
$318,672
4-year total (private)
VS
USC
$344,488
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Harvard = $78,044 | USC = $175,048. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Harvard Top Majors

EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceMathematicsHistory

USC Top Majors

BusinessFilmComputer ScienceEngineeringCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
HarvardUrban
USCUrban
Campus Size
Harvard5,076 ac
USC229 ac
Athletics
HarvardNCAA D1
USCNCAA D1
Region
HarvardNortheast
USCWest
Founded
Harvard1636
USC1880
Enrollment
Harvard31,345
USC49,500

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Helpful Resources

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Compare Other Colleges

Harvard vs MIT › MIT vs USC › Harvard vs Yale › Harvard vs Princeton › Princeton vs USC › Harvard vs Stanford › USC vs Yale › Stanford vs USC ›

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harvard or USC harder to get into?+
Harvard is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.2% compared to 9.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Harvard or USC?+
At sticker price, Harvard costs less over 4 years ($318,672 vs $344,488). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Harvard offers an average of $60,157/year in aid while USC offers $42,360/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Harvard and USC?+
The average SAT score at Harvard is 1550 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 Harvard or USC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Harvard have a higher average starting salary ($95,500 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?+
Harvard has a 5:1 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 Harvard and USC compare for campus life?+
Harvard is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 5,076-acre campus. USC is in Los Angeles, California (urban setting) with 229 acres. Harvard competes in NCAA D1 athletics and USC in NCAA D1.