Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs University of Southern California

Blacksburg, VA — Los Angeles, CA

Metric
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Location Blacksburg, VA Los Angeles, CA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 30,923 20,443
Acceptance Rate 54.8% 9.8%
SAT Average 1,364 1,495
In-State Tuition $15,948 $72,097
Out-of-State Tuition $37,764 $72,097
Avg Net Price $24,953 $32,740
Median Debt at Graduation $21,500 $18,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 86.3% 91.9%
Retention Rate 93.1% 95.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $67,377 $74,461
Median Earnings (10 yr) $81,698 $92,498
Loan Repayment Rate 661700.0% 435800.0%

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

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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
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University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and University of Southern California compare?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, VA) has an acceptance rate of 54.8%, in-state tuition of $15,948, and median 10-year earnings of $81,698. 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, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $92,498 vs $81,698. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or University of Southern California?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the more affordable option at $24,953 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 86.3%.

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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