Southern california vs Emory — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Southern california is the more selective of the two (9.8% vs 10.7% acceptance). Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#62 vs #101-150). Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $80K). Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,280 vs $72,097 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Southern california for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Emory for: higher retention, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Southern california is more selective (9.8% vs 10.7% acceptance); Emory has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1495).
Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $80K); Southern california has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.8% vs 91.1%).
Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,280 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $67,329).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Southern california | Emory |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #62 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #72 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% | 10.7% |
| Yield rate | 43.3% | 40.4% |
| Median SAT | 1495 | 1520 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 82,027 | 34,614 |
| International students | 27% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $80K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $84K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $120K |
| Graduation rate | 91.8% | 91.1% |
| Retention rate | 95.6% | 96% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $18,250 |
| Tuition · year | $72,097 | $64,280 |
| Avg. aid package | $71,169 | $67,329 |
| % of need met | 99.3% | 99.9% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,678 | $24,562 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 46,566 | 15,179 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Southern california or Emory?
It's harder to get into Southern california. Southern california accepts 9.8% of applicants, while Emory accepts 10.7%.
Do Southern california or Emory graduates earn more?
Southern california graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $92K vs $80K.
How much is tuition at Southern california vs Emory?
Sticker-price tuition is $72,097 per year at Southern california and $64,280 per year at Emory.
What SAT score do you need for Southern california or Emory?
The median admitted SAT score is 1495 at Southern california and 1520 at Emory; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Southern california or Emory?
Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #62 for Southern california vs #101-150 for Emory.
Which university offers more financial aid — Southern california or Emory?
The average aid package is $71,169 at Southern california and $67,329 at Emory.
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