ic S/general/checkmark circled Thanks for subscribing! Be on the lookout for our next newsletter.
ic S/general/checkmark circled
Saved to My Favorites. View My Favorites
Lists / If You like USC, Consider These Schools

If You like USC, Consider These Schools

Created by College Confidential
Photo: Vlada Karpovich/Pexels

If you're interested in the University of Southern California (USC), consider these other universities that offer similar qualities, including a combination of strong academics, vibrant campus life, and urban locations. Here are some universities you might want to consider if you're thinking about applying to USC. If you see schools you're interested in, click the heart icon to save them to your college list on CC.

University of the Pacific

University of the Pacific (UOP) is a smaller private university located in Stockton, California. It offers comprehensive programs in health sciences, business, education, engineering, and liberal arts. UOP emphasizes small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty, and a strong commitment to undergraduate research. Both institutions provide strong academic programs, but USC's larger size and location in a major city offer more resources and opportunities, while UOP's smaller size fosters a close-knit community and more individualized attention.

  • University of the Pacific
    Stockton, CA 4-Year, Private
    Acceptance Rate79%
  • Loyola Marymount University

    The University of Southern California (USC) and Loyola Marymount University (LMU) are both private institutions based in Los Angeles, but they differ in size, academic strengths, and cultural environment. LMU is a smaller, Jesuit university known for its programs in film production, business, and liberal arts. It has a lower student-to-faculty ratio, providing more personalized attention, and prides itself on a holistic approach to education emphasizing ethical leadership and service. Both institutions provide strong academics, a vibrant campus life, and the benefits of being located in a major city, but they offer distinct campus cultures and learning experiences.

  • Loyola Marymount University
    Los Angeles, CA 4-Year, Private
    Acceptance Rate46%
  • University of San Francisco

    The University of Southern California (USC) and the University of San Francisco (USF) are both private institutions with strong academic programs. USF, however, is a smaller, Jesuit university located in the heart of San Francisco. It's known for its emphasis on service learning, social justice, and strong programs in business, nursing, and liberal arts. Its location provides students with access to a variety of cultural and professional experiences in the San Francisco Bay Area.

  • University of San Francisco
    San Francisco, CA 4-Year, Private
    Acceptance Rate71%
  • Arizona State University at Tempe

    ASU is known for its innovative approach to higher education, with strong programs in business, journalism, and sustainability. ASU's large student population fosters a lively campus environment with a wide variety of activities. Both USC and ASU provide ample resources for research and have a strong commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship.

  • Arizona State University at Tempe
    Tempe, AZ 4-Year, Public
    Acceptance Rate88%
  • New York University

    If you're attracted to USC's urban location, you might also consider NYU. Located in the heart of New York City, NYU offers strong programs in fields such as business, arts, and social sciences.

  • New York University
    New York, NY 4-Year, Private
    Acceptance Rate12%
  • University of Miami

    If you're attracted to USC's warm climate and strong athletic tradition, you might also consider the University of Miami. UM offers strong programs in fields such as marine biology, music, and business.

  • University of Miami
    Coral Gables, FL 4-Year, Private
    Acceptance Rate28%
  • The University of Texas at Austin

    UT Austin offers strong programs in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, and film. It's also located in a vibrant city with a thriving arts and music scene.

  • The University of Texas at Austin
    Austin, TX 4-Year, Public
    Acceptance Rate29%
  • Boston University

    BU is another urban university with strong programs in a variety of fields. It's located in Boston, which is a vibrant city with a rich history and a large student population.

  • Boston University
    Boston, MA 4-Year, Private
    Acceptance Rate19%
  • Northwestern University

    If you're attracted to USC's strong programs in journalism, arts, and engineering, Northwestern, located in the Chicago area, might be a good fit.

  • Northwestern University
    Evanston, IL 4-Year, Private
    Acceptance Rate7%
  • University of California, Los Angeles

    Like USC, UCLA is located in Los Angeles and offers a strong academic program in a variety of fields, including film, business, and engineering.

  • University of California, Los Angeles
    Los Angeles, CA 4-Year, Public
    Acceptance Rate11%
  • Get a student loan that goes beyond tuition.

    Ascent offers cosigned and non-cosigned student loans with exclusive benefits that set students up for success.

    Get Started!
    F43DB07C-E631-43A5-9C99-000231808F35
    Scholarship Tips

    Want to find money for school that doesn’t need to be paid back? Access insights and advice on how to search and apply for scholarships!

    Find Scholarships