Columbia University vs University of Southern California

This page compares Columbia University and University of Southern California across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes — plus cross-admit decision data from 40 applicants admitted to both.

Based on 40 applicants admitted to both schools, 95% chose to attend Columbia University. This cross-admit data reflects real enrollment decisions from verified law school applicants on LSD.Law.

In the U.S. News rankings, Columbia University is ranked #10 compared to #26 — a gap of 16 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: Columbia University has a median LSAT of 173 compared to 169, a gap of 4 points. This suggests applicants to Columbia University face a more competitive admissions pool.

Columbia University is located in New York City, New York, while University of Southern California is in Los Angeles, California. Regional placement matters: graduates tend to find employment near their law school, so location should factor into your decision alongside rankings and cost.

Among cross-admitted applicants, University of Southern California offered a median scholarship of $180,000 compared to $85,000, a difference of $95,000 that may factor into enrollment decisions.