Amherst College vs University of Southern California
Amherst College is extremely selective with a 9.8% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than University of Southern California (10.0%). Graduates of University of Southern California earn $14,854 more per year at the 10-year mark ($92,498 vs $77,644). For families earning $48k–$75k, Amherst College is more affordable at $17,478 net price vs $19,539. Students at Amherst College graduate with less debt ($13,740 vs $18,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
University of Southern California has a higher yield rate (44.9%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1500, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Amherst, MA
Los Angeles, CA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Amherst College is more affordable at $1,086 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $47,521 vs $56,116.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. University of Southern California enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (22%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Amherst College
- 1 History$74,576
- 2 Economics$74,576
- 3 Mathematics$67,660
- 4 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics$67,101
- 5 Political Science and Government$48,432
University of Southern California
- 1 Computer Software and Media Applications$108,649
- 2 Computer Science$91,986
- 3 Computer Engineering$90,602
- 4 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$80,567
- 5 Industrial Engineering$78,029
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Amherst College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 4 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- 5 Mathematics
University of Southern California
- 1 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Communication and Media Studies
- 4 Human Biology
- 5 Psychology, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Amherst College
- International students12%
- Tuition (international)$59,890
- Est. total cost/year$76,340
- School typePublic
University of Southern California
- International students27%
- Tuition (international)$59,260
- Est. total cost/year$76,673
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 27% international enrollment, University of Southern California likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Amherst College or University of Southern California?
Amherst College is more selective with a 9.8% acceptance rate, compared to 10.0%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Amherst College or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $92,498 compared to $77,644. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Amherst College or University of Southern California?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Amherst College has a lower net price at $17,478 per year vs $19,539. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Amherst College vs University of Southern California?
Amherst College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 93.7%, compared to 91.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Amherst College or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California has a larger international student population at 27% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Amherst College and University of Southern California?
At Amherst College, History graduates earn a median of $74,576 within two years. At University of Southern California, the top-earning major is Computer Software and Media Applications at $108,649. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.