Arizona State University vs University of Southern California

Arizona State University and University of Southern California

Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)

Both ASU and USC are top American universities, although USC is more highly regarded globally in terms of academic prestige. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, ASU is approximately 173rd, whereas USC is significantly higher at 125th. In Times Higher Education 2025, USC is ranked 72nd, whereas ASU is ranked lower.

In subject rankings, ASU is ranked for Engineering, Data Science, and Business, with high placements in U.S. News and QS rankings. USC stands out in Law, Film & Media Studies, Business, and Medicine, with multiple programs ranked in the world's top 20–30. USC's urban setting and professional schools provide it with a competitive advantage in applied and interdisciplinary areas, while ASU's advantage is in innovation, accessibility, and large-scale research programs.

General Information

Arizona State University spans multiple campuses, with its main campus in Tempe, Arizona, covering over 600 acres. It has a massive student population of over 65,000 undergraduates, making it one of the largest public universities in the U.S. Founded in 1885, ASU is known for its inclusive approach and rapid growth in research output.

University of Southern California, established in 1880, is situated in Los Angeles, California, on a 226-acre urban campus. It supports a total enrollment of approximately 48,000 students, including 21,000 undergraduates and a prominent graduate base. USC provides a smaller academic environment than ASU, with a smaller student-faculty ratio and more selective admissions process.

ASU provides a dynamic campus experience with an emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation, whereas USC provides access for students to the center of entertainment, international business centers, and cultural institutions.

Acceptance Rate & Admission

USC is extremely selective with an acceptance rate of less than 9.3%, whereas ASU is significantly more open, accepting about 90% of applicants. The SAT scores of USC admitted students range from 1440–1550 and ACT scores from 32–35, indicating top academic quality. ASU's average admitted scores are between 1130–1360 SAT and 22–29 ACT, with stronger programs such as Engineering and Business demanding scores more towards the higher side.

USC focuses on holistic admissions and has early decision options available, whereas ASU has a rolling admissions process and is test-optional for most programs.

Research Impact & Facilities

ASU is a preeminent public research university with areas of excellence in sustainability, engineering, and space exploration, bolstered by facilities such as the Biodesign Institute, Fulton Schools of Engineering, and collaborations with NASA. It's renowned for interdisciplinary research and the speed of its funded projects growth.

USC is home to 23 libraries, cutting-edge medical research facilities, and internationally networked institutes such as USC Annenberg School for Communication, Keck School of Medicine, and Viterbi School of Engineering. Situated in the heart of Los Angeles, it offers greater access to real-world data, industry collaborations, and international networks.

Where ASU excels at scale and innovation, USC excels at depth and distinction in specialized graduate and professional research.

Cost & Financial Aid

ASU is a public institution, with in-state tuition of approximately $12,223 and out-of-state tuition at $33,139. USC is private and much more expensive, with a tuition rate of $71,647 per year. USC is generous with financial aid, with an average need-based package of $67,015, and also merit scholarships for high-performing students.

ASU offers merit scholarships such as the New American University Scholarship, and its lower living and tuition costs make it cheaper overall. USC's city environment raises the cost of living, but its financial aid packages tend to break even on the price for qualified students.

Graduate Studies & Research

Both universities provide strong graduate programs. ASU boasts more than 114 master's programs and 21 doctoral programs, with an emphasis on innovation and accessibility. USC provides 124 master's programs and 7 doctoral programs, with top schools in Business, Law, Cinema, and International Affairs.

USC graduate programs are highly embedded with industry, with solid internship streams and international research possibilities. ASU's graduate college is committed to supporting students from application to thesis, with increasing focus on interdisciplinary and applied studies.

Alumni & Career Outcomes

USC has a strong and international alumni network, particularly in media, business, law, and public policy. Some of its notable alumni are George Lucas, Neil Armstrong, and Shonda Rhimes. Ten years after graduation, the median incomes are approximately $85,500, or about INR 71,00,000.

ASU alumni are dispersed over various industries, with the best representation in technology, finance, and government. Intel, Honeywell, JP Morgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs are among the top recruiters. ASU graduates receive a median salary of $52,600, or approximately INR 43,00,000, ten years after graduation.