Southern Illinois University-Carbondale vs University of Southern California

Carbondale, IL — Los Angeles, CA

Metric
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, IL
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Location Carbondale, IL Los Angeles, CA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 8,494 20,443
Acceptance Rate 86.9% 9.8%
SAT Average 1,055 1,495
In-State Tuition $13,334 $72,097
Out-of-State Tuition $13,334 $72,097
Avg Net Price $13,297 $32,740
Median Debt at Graduation $21,543 $18,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 59.0% 91.9%
Retention Rate 66.8% 95.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $43,087 $74,461
Median Earnings (10 yr) $53,390 $92,498
Loan Repayment Rate 789000.0% 435800.0%

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

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Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, IL
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University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and University of Southern California compare?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (Carbondale, IL) has an acceptance rate of 86.9%, in-state tuition of $13,334, and median 10-year earnings of $53,390. 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, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $92,498 vs $53,390. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale or University of Southern California?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is the more affordable option at $13,297 per year versus $32,740.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Southern California has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 91.9% vs 59.0%.

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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