Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Princeton
$316,360
4-year total (private)
VS
USC
$344,488
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Princeton = $77,520 | USC = $175,048. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Princeton Top Majors
Computer ScienceEconomicsPublic PolicyEngineeringHistoryUSC Top Majors
BusinessFilmComputer ScienceEngineeringCommunication
Need Help Choosing Between Princeton & 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Princeton or USC harder to get into?+
Princeton is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.5% compared to 9.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Princeton or USC?+
At sticker price, Princeton costs less over 4 years ($316,360 vs $344,488). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Princeton offers an average of $59,710/year in aid while USC offers $42,360/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Princeton and USC?+
The average SAT score at Princeton is 1546 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 Princeton or USC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Princeton have a higher average starting salary ($90,100 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?+
Princeton has a 4:1 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 Princeton and USC compare for campus life?+
Princeton is located in Princeton, New Jersey (suburban setting) with a 600-acre campus. USC is in Los Angeles, California (urban setting) with 229 acres. Princeton competes in NCAA D1 athletics and USC in NCAA D1.