USC vs. Carleton College

Comparable Facts

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

University of Southern California is larger than Carleton College based on total student enrollment (46,566 students vs. 2,128 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Southern California is located in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting); Carleton College is in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting).
• University of Southern California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carleton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Southern California 9:1; Carleton College 8:1.

USC vs. Carleton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USC or Carleton College? 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 Carleton College than USC ($28,047 vs. $43,412).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carleton College are 11.8% lower than at University of Southern California ($17,586 vs. $19,931).
• University of Southern California is 4.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carleton College (about $3,205 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $68,892.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.7% higher at USC than at Carleton College (about $3,205 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $68,892.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Southern California than at Carleton College (70% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carleton College students is 21.2% larger than aid received by University of Southern California students ($56,846 vs. $46,897).

USC vs. Carleton College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USC or Carleton College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Carleton College and USC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carleton College (1510) is 10 points higher than at USC (1500).
• Incoming USC students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 33) as students at Carleton College (33).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern California 1450/1550; Carleton College 1450/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern California 32/35; Carleton College 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USC - Test optional; Carleton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carleton College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carleton College students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at USC (3.83).
• Carleton College has a higher acceptance rate (20.4%) than USC (9.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 43.3% at USC vs. 34.8% at Carleton College.

USC vs. Carleton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USC and Carleton College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Carleton College's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than University of Southern California's (90%).
• Graduates from University of Southern California earn a median of about $19,900 more per year than Carleton College graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,500 vs. $65,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carleton College graduates have a $2,875 lower median loan debt than USC graduates ($19,500 vs. $22,375).
• Among borrowers, Carleton College graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC graduates ($201 vs. $231).
• More Carleton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USC students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 81%)

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.