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Tufts University vs University of Southern California

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

19
Tufts Wins
7
Tied / N/A
20
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Far West
7,061
Enrollment
20,443
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
10%
1513
SAT Average
1495
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1470-1560
SAT Range
1450-1550

Cost & Financial Aid

$70,704
In-State Tuition
$72,097
$70,704
Out-of-State Tuition
$72,097
$39,998
Average Net Price
$32,740
$11,284
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$13,516
$9,811
Net Price ($30-48K)
$14,394
$14,923
Net Price ($48-75K)
$19,539
$58,570
Net Price ($110K+)
$56,116
12%
Pell Grant Rate
22%
19%
Federal Loan Rate
24%

Academics

93%
Graduation Rate
92%
96%
Retention Rate
96%
64%
Full-Time Faculty
59%
$14,205
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$17,924
15%
First-Gen Students
25%

Student Body

46%
Female
55%
41%
White
26%
10%
Hispanic
20%
6%
Black
7%
17%
Asian
23%
0.77
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$68,337
Earnings (6yr)
$74,461
$70,761
Earnings (8yr)
$87,601
$83,214
Earnings (10yr)
$92,498
$16,250
Median Debt
$18,000
0.2x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.19x
83%
Earning Above HS
81%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

212.66%
Mobility Rate
393.30%
6216.7%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5455.5%
342.1%
From Bottom 20%
720.9%
$187,900
Parent Median Income
$120,100

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.78
-0.00
Friending Bias
0.03
12.3%
Volunteering Rate
8.2%

Research (Times HE)

#53
World Rank
#73
64.1
Teaching Score
65.4
52.3
Research Score
48.7
83.9
Citations Score
71.9

The Overviews

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private nonprofit

11% accept 93% grad $83,214 earnings $39,998 net

With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Tufts University attracts students who are ready to engage in a vibrant academic community. This school is ideal for those passionate about social sciences, engineering, biology and biomedical fields, computer science and IT, or the visual and performing arts. What stands out is the commitment to a well-rounded education that encourages exploration and interdisciplinary study, making it a great fit for curious minds eager to make an impact.

After graduation, students can expect a solid earning potential, with a 10-year median salary of $83,214. This figure highlights the strong return on investment for graduates. With a graduation rate of 93%, it's clear that students not only thrive academically but also transition successfully into their careers. While the Pell Grant rate is at 12%, indicating that a smaller percentage of students come from low-income backgrounds, those who do tend to find pathways to upward mobility in their professional lives.

Looking at the practical side, the net price of attending Tufts is around $39,998 after aid, which is significant but manageable for many. Graduates carry a median debt of $16,250, a figure that suggests a thoughtful balance between investment in education and financial responsibility. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are driven, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the diverse opportunities available on campus and beyond.

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit

10% accept 92% grad $92,498 earnings $32,740 net

The University of Southern California has an impressive graduation rate of 92%. This reflects the institution's strong commitment to student success and academic support. Students here are likely to find a community that encourages them to complete their degrees on time.

According to data from Opportunity Insights, while specific mobility metrics are not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are able to improve their economic prospects through education. Graduates from USC earn a median salary of $92,498 a decade after leaving, indicating a solid return on investment for their education.

The cost of attendance at USC is $32,740, with a median debt of $18,000 for those who borrow. This financial landscape makes it essential for prospective students to consider their funding options. Students who thrive at USC often have a clear focus on their career paths, particularly in fields like business, arts, and technology.

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