Northeastern University Oakland vs. USC

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern University Oakland in Oakland, CA with University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Southern California is larger than Northeastern University Oakland based on total student enrollment (46,566 students vs. 640 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University Oakland is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); University of Southern California is in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting).
• Northeastern University Oakland is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Southern California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University Oakland 7:1; University of Southern California 9:1.

Northeastern University Oakland vs. USC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern University Oakland or USC? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Northeastern University Oakland than USC ($27,473 vs. $43,412).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern University Oakland are 1.8% lower than at University of Southern California ($19,580 vs. $19,931).
• University of Southern California is 6.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern University Oakland (about $4,319 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $67,778.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.4% higher at USC than at Northeastern University Oakland (about $4,319 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $67,778.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Southern California than at Northeastern University Oakland (70% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University Oakland students is 23.6% larger than aid received by University of Southern California students ($57,948 vs. $46,897).

Northeastern University Oakland vs. USC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern University Oakland or USC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between USC and Northeastern University Oakland.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of Southern California (1500) is 30 points higher than at Northeastern University Oakland (1470).
• Incoming USC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (33 vs. 32 at Northeastern University Oakland).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Northeastern University Oakland 1420/1520; University of Southern California 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Northeastern University Oakland 32/33; University of Southern California 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern University Oakland - Test optional; USC - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman USC students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Northeastern University Oakland (3.57).
• Northeastern University Oakland has a higher acceptance rate (16.7%) than USC (9.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.9% at Northeastern University Oakland vs. 43.3% at USC.

Northeastern University Oakland vs. USC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern University Oakland and USC? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• University of Southern California's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Northeastern University Oakland's (57%).
• Graduates from University of Southern California earn a median of about $41,100 more per year than Northeastern University Oakland graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,500 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Southern California graduates have a $1,125 lower median loan debt than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($22,375 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, USC graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($231 vs. $242).
• More USC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern University Oakland students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.