College comparison

Northeastern 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	Northeastern Boston, MA	USC Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance rateNortheastern University is more selective	5%	10%
SAT (25–75)	1440–1540	1450–1550
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	17,326	20,443
Avg net price	$30,915	$32,740
Test policy	—	—
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Private (nonprofit)
Location	Boston, MA	Los Angeles, CA

Quick answers

Is Northeastern University or University of Southern California harder to get into?

Northeastern University is more selective: Northeastern University's acceptance rate is approximately 5% and University of Southern California's is approximately 10% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Northeastern University vs University of Southern California?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1440–1540 at Northeastern 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.