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MIT vs USC

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

3.9% MIT acceptance
9.2% USC acceptance
$37,168 MIT cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

MIT
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1861
Enrollment
11,858
Setting
Urban
USC
Los Angeles, California
Private
Founded
1880
Enrollment
49,500
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition MIT saves $8,400
MIT
$58,240
USC
$66,640
Acceptance Rate MIT more selective
MIT
3.9%
USC
9.2%
Graduation Rate MIT higher
MIT
95%
USC
92%
Avg SAT Score MIT higher
MIT
1556
USC
1480
Starting Salary MIT higher
MIT
$104,800
USC
$78,900

Detailed Comparison

Metric MIT USC Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$58,240$66,640MIT
Tuition (In-State)$58,240$66,640MIT
Room & Board$18,590$19,482MIT
Acceptance Rate3.9%9.2%MIT
Graduation Rate95%92%MIT
Average SAT15561480MIT
Student-Faculty Ratio3:19:1MIT
Enrollment11,85849,500-
Avg Financial Aid$46,890$42,360MIT
Starting Salary$104,800$78,900MIT
Endowment$27.4B$8.1BMIT
Campus Size168 acres229 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

MIT
$307,320
4-year total (private)
VS
USC
$344,488
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: MIT = $119,760 | USC = $175,048. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

MIT Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringMathematicsPhysicsBiology

USC Top Majors

BusinessFilmComputer ScienceEngineeringCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
MITUrban
USCUrban
Campus Size
MIT168 ac
USC229 ac
Athletics
MITNCAA D3
USCNCAA D1
Region
MITNortheast
USCWest
Founded
MIT1861
USC1880
Enrollment
MIT11,858
USC49,500

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Compare Other Colleges

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MIT or USC harder to get into?+
MIT is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.9% compared to 9.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, MIT or USC?+
At sticker price, MIT costs less over 4 years ($307,320 vs $344,488). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. MIT offers an average of $46,890/year in aid while USC offers $42,360/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for MIT and USC?+
The average SAT score at MIT is 1556 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 MIT or USC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of MIT have a higher average starting salary ($104,800 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?+
MIT has a 3:1 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 MIT and USC compare for campus life?+
MIT is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 168-acre campus. USC is in Los Angeles, California (urban setting) with 229 acres. MIT competes in NCAA D3 athletics and USC in NCAA D1.