University of Chicago vs University of Southern California

This page compares University of Chicago and University of Southern California across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes — plus cross-admit decision data from 28 applicants admitted to both.

Based on 28 applicants admitted to both schools, 100% chose to attend University of Chicago. This cross-admit data reflects real enrollment decisions from verified law school applicants on LSD.Law.

In the U.S. News rankings, University of Chicago is ranked #3 compared to #26 — a gap of 23 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: University of Chicago has a median LSAT of 174 compared to 169, a gap of 5 points. This suggests applicants to University of Chicago face a more competitive admissions pool.

University of Chicago is located in Chicago, Illinois, 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 $165,000 compared to $60,000, a difference of $105,000 that may factor into enrollment decisions.