The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs University of Southern California

Knoxville, TN — Los Angeles, CA

Metric
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Location Knoxville, TN Los Angeles, CA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 30,418 20,443
Acceptance Rate 41.6% 9.8%
SAT Average 1,311 1,495
In-State Tuition $13,812 $72,097
Out-of-State Tuition $33,256 $72,097
Avg Net Price $18,976 $32,740
Median Debt at Graduation $20,500 $18,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 73.7% 91.9%
Retention Rate 91.9% 95.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $47,782 $74,461
Median Earnings (10 yr) $60,249 $92,498
Loan Repayment Rate 696900.0% 435800.0%

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

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The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
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University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and University of Southern California compare?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (Knoxville, TN) has an acceptance rate of 41.6%, in-state tuition of $13,812, and median 10-year earnings of $60,249. 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, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $92,498 vs $60,249. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or University of Southern California?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the more affordable option at $18,976 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 73.7%.

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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