Syracuse University vs University of Southern California (USC)
Syracuse University and the University of Southern California, two esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Syracuse, nestled in the heart of New York, boasts a lower acceptance rate, a more diverse student body, and a higher graduation rate. USC, situated in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, offers a wider range of popular majors, a larger student body, and a more urban campus. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into the specifics of each university, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates, to determine which institution best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Syracuse University |
![]() University of Southern California |
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Overview |
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Location | Syracuse, New York | Los Angeles, California |
Campus setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 90.0% | 96.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 59.2% | 12.5% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$85
Graduate:
$75
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Undergraduate:
$85
Graduate:
$90
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SAT range | 1220 - 1400 | 1410 - 1540 |
ACT range | 27 - 32 | 32 - 35 |
Students submitting SAT score | 25.0% | 31.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 13.0% | 19.0% |
Total number of applicants | 39,682 | 71,031 |
Total number of admissions given out | 23,489 | 8,884 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 3,765 | 3,668 |
Yield rate | 16.0% | 41.3% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Not required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $77,896 | $81,659 |
Average net price | $43,545 | $26,021 |
Tuition | $55,920 | $60,446 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$9,075
Meal plan:
$7,820
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Room/dormitory:
$10,098
Meal plan:
$6,634
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
86.0%
Average amount $31,590 |
72.0%
Average amount $40,690 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
37.0%
Average amount $5,350 |
22.0%
Average amount $4,215 |
Students taking out private loans |
7.0%
Average amount $26,377 |
2.0%
Average amount $29,056 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
14,778
Men 45.4% Women 54.6% |
20,790
Men 48.5% Women 51.5% |
Graduate students |
6,994
Men 48.0% Women 52.0% |
28,528
Men 44.3% Women 55.7% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | 67.2% | 49.9% |
International students | 16.9% | 23.8% |
Campus local/setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 8,291 | 8,700 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | New York New Jersey Mississippi California Pennsylvania | California Texas New York Illinois Florida |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 14:1 | 9:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 82.4% | 92.0% |
Dropout rate | 17.0% | 7.2% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Business/Managerial Economics (Master's Degrees)
Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Marketing (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
Computer Science (Master's Degrees)
Legal Professions and Studies, Other (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other (Master's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Real Estate Development (Master's Degrees)
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