Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Northwestern
$333,540
4-year total (private)
VS
USC
$344,488
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Northwestern = $138,980 | USC = $175,048. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Northwestern Top Majors
EconomicsJournalismEngineeringComputer SciencePsychologyUSC Top Majors
BusinessFilmComputer ScienceEngineeringCommunication
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwestern or USC harder to get into?+
Northwestern is more selective with an acceptance rate of 7.0% compared to 9.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Northwestern or USC?+
At sticker price, Northwestern costs less over 4 years ($333,540 vs $344,488). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Northwestern offers an average of $48,640/year in aid while USC offers $42,360/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Northwestern and USC?+
The average SAT score at Northwestern 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 Northwestern or USC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Northwestern have a higher average starting salary ($80,600 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?+
Northwestern has a 6:1 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 Northwestern and USC compare for campus life?+
Northwestern is located in Evanston, Illinois (suburban setting) with a 231-acre campus. USC is in Los Angeles, California (urban setting) with 229 acres. Northwestern competes in NCAA D1 athletics and USC in NCAA D1.