Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Stanford
$326,612
4-year total (private)
VS
USC
$344,488
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Stanford = $86,332 | USC = $175,048. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Stanford Top Majors
Computer ScienceEngineeringBiologyEconomicsHuman BiologyUSC Top Majors
BusinessFilmComputer ScienceEngineeringCommunication
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stanford or USC harder to get into?+
Stanford is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.6% compared to 9.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Stanford or USC?+
At sticker price, Stanford costs less over 4 years ($326,612 vs $344,488). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Stanford offers an average of $60,070/year in aid while USC offers $42,360/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Stanford and USC?+
The average SAT score at Stanford 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 Stanford or USC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Stanford have a higher average starting salary ($95,200 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?+
Stanford 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 Stanford and USC compare for campus life?+
Stanford is located in Stanford, California (suburban setting) with a 8,180-acre campus. USC is in Los Angeles, California (urban setting) with 229 acres. Stanford competes in NCAA D1 athletics and USC in NCAA D1.