Loading…
College comparison
Carnegie Mellon vs USC
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Carnegie Mellon Pittsburgh, PA |  USC Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of Southern California is more selective | 12% | 10% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1450–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,304 | 20,443 |
| Avg net price | $31,944 | $32,740 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Carnegie Mellon reports higher median earnings | $114,862 | $92,498 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 92% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $18,000 |
| Economic mobility | 2.2% | 3.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Quick answers
- Is Carnegie Mellon University or University of Southern California harder to get into?
- University of Southern California is more selective: Carnegie Mellon University's acceptance rate is approximately 12% and University of Southern California's is approximately 10% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Carnegie Mellon University vs University of Southern California?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Carnegie Mellon University and 1450–1550 at University of Southern California. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.