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University of Southern California vs Washington and Lee University

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

17
University Wins
10
Tied / N/A
19
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Town
Far West
Region
Southeast
20,443
Enrollment
1,881
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

10%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1495
SAT Average
1498
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1450-1550
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$72,097
In-State Tuition
$68,045
$72,097
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,045
$32,740
Average Net Price
$23,781
$13,516
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-1,777
$14,394
Net Price ($30-48K)
$75
$19,539
Net Price ($48-75K)
$4,497
$56,116
Net Price ($110K+)
$40,646
22%
Pell Grant Rate
11%
24%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

92%
Graduation Rate
94%
96%
Retention Rate
97%
59%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$17,924
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,155
25%
First-Gen Students
N/A

Student Body

55%
Female
44%
26%
White
68%
20%
Hispanic
9%
7%
Black
5%
23%
Asian
5%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.52

Outcomes

$74,461
Earnings (6yr)
$76,516
$87,601
Earnings (8yr)
$89,772
$92,498
Earnings (10yr)
$94,810
$18,000
Median Debt
$19,500
0.19x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
81%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

393.30%
Mobility Rate
57.09%
5455.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5102.3%
720.9%
From Bottom 20%
111.9%
$120,100
Parent Median Income
$226,700

Social Capital

1.78
Economic Connectedness
1.82
0.03
Friending Bias
0.00
8.2%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

Research (Times HE)

#73
World Rank
N/A
65.4
Teaching Score
N/A
48.7
Research Score
N/A
71.9
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

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.

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit

14% accept 94% grad $94,810 earnings $23,781 net

With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Washington and Lee University draws students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply in their studies. This private institution, located in Lexington, Virginia, is known for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Physical Sciences. If you’re looking for a place that encourages critical thinking and a close-knit community, this might just be the right fit for you.

Graduates from Washington and Lee see impressive earnings, with a median income of $94,810 ten years after graduation. This kind of financial outcome suggests that students who excel here are well-prepared for the job market and often find themselves in higher-paying positions. The strong graduation rate of 94% also points to a supportive environment that helps students succeed academically and transition smoothly into their careers.

When it comes to the practicalities of attending Washington and Lee, the net price after aid stands at $23,781, which is relatively manageable given the high earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $19,500, students can graduate with a reasonable amount of loans, especially considering the high salaries many alumni achieve. Those who thrive here are typically driven, engaged, and ready to make the most of their educational experience.

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