College comparison

Northwestern 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	Northwestern Evanston, IL	USC Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance rateNorthwestern University is more selective	8%	10%
SAT (25–75)	1510–1570	1450–1550
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	9,201	20,443
Avg net price	$29,167	$32,740
Test policy	—	—
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Private (nonprofit)
Location	Evanston, IL	Los Angeles, CA

Quick answers

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

Northwestern University is more selective: Northwestern University's acceptance rate is approximately 8% and University of Southern California's is approximately 10% (estimates from public and primary sources).

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

The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1570 at Northwestern 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.