Carnegie Mellon vs USC
How Carnegie Mellon and USC stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| Carnegie Mellon | USC | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 11% | 10% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | 1510-1570 | 1360-1530 |
| Testing policy | flexible | Test-optional |
| Type | Private | Private |
| Location | PA | CA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $85,990 | $89,006 |
| Average cost after aid | $39,000 | $37,500 |
| Supplemental essays | 3 | 2 |
- USC is harder to get into than Carnegie Mellon (10% versus 11%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, USC is usually the cheaper option ($37,500 versus $39,000 per year on average).
- On testing, Carnegie Mellon sets its own testing policy while USC is test-optional.
- Carnegie Mellon asks for more supplemental writing (3 essays versus 2), so budget more time for its application.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
Carnegie Mellon vs USC FAQ
Is Carnegie Mellon or USC harder to get into?
USC is harder to get into, admitting about 10% of applicants versus 11% at Carnegie Mellon.
Is Carnegie Mellon or USC cheaper?
After financial aid, USC is usually cheaper, about $37,500 per year on average versus $39,000 at Carnegie Mellon.
See your real chances at Carnegie Mellon and USC.
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