Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Stanford University vs USC

Stanford, CA · Los Angeles, CA · Source: IPEDS federal database

Stanford UniversityUSC
Acceptance Rate3.9%10.0%
In-State Tuition$62,484$68,237
Out-of-State Tuition$62,484$68,237
Average Net Price$3,796$23,317
Graduation Rate93.0%92.0%

GradFax Analysis

Stanford University accepts 3.9% of applicants. USC accepts 10.0%. Stanford University's tuition is $62,484. USC's is $68,237. Stanford University is cheaper. Six-year graduation rates are close: 93% at Stanford University, 92% at USC.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Stanford University profileUSC profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Stanford University or USC?

Stanford University. It accepts 3.9% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Stanford University or USC more affordable?

Stanford University has lower published tuition: $62,484 versus $68,237. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. Stanford University is at 93%; USC is at 92%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Stanford University vs USC: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax