Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Penn State
$208,552
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
USC
$344,488
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Penn State = $157,872 | USC = $175,048. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Penn State Top Majors
EngineeringBusinessBiologyKinesiologyInformation SciencesUSC Top Majors
BusinessFilmComputer ScienceEngineeringCommunication
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penn State or USC harder to get into?+
USC is more selective with an acceptance rate of 9.2% compared to 54.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Penn State or USC?+
At sticker price, Penn State costs less over 4 years ($208,552 vs $344,488). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Penn State offers an average of $12,670/year in aid while USC offers $42,360/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Penn State and USC?+
The average SAT score at Penn State is 1300 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 Penn State or USC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of USC have a higher average starting salary ($78,900 vs $65,400). 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?+
Penn State 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 Penn State and USC compare for campus life?+
Penn State is located in State College, Pennsylvania (rural setting) with a 5,000-acre campus. USC is in Los Angeles, California (urban setting) with 229 acres. Penn State competes in NCAA D1 athletics and USC in NCAA D1.