Santa Clara University vs University of Southern California

Santa Clara, CA — Los Angeles, CA

Metric
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Location Santa Clara, CA Los Angeles, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 6,552 20,443
Acceptance Rate 48.0% 9.8%
SAT Average 1,426 1,495
In-State Tuition $61,293 $72,097
Out-of-State Tuition $61,293 $72,097
Avg Net Price $50,062 $32,740
Median Debt at Graduation $19,162 $18,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 88.2% 91.9%
Retention Rate 93.9% 95.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $91,198 $74,461
Median Earnings (10 yr) $109,183 $92,498
Loan Repayment Rate 120700.0% 435800.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
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University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Santa Clara University and University of Southern California compare?
Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, CA) has an acceptance rate of 48.0%, in-state tuition of $61,293, and median 10-year earnings of $109,183. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) has an acceptance rate of 9.8%, in-state tuition of $72,097, and median 10-year earnings of $92,498.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Santa Clara University or University of Southern California?
Santa Clara University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $109,183 vs $92,498. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Santa Clara University or University of Southern California?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of Southern California is the more affordable option at $32,740 per year versus $50,062.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Southern California has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 91.9% vs 88.2%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025