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University of Southern California and University of California-Berkeley are both private nonprofit institutions — University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA and University of California-Berkeley in Berkeley, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Los Angeles, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 9.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 20,443
Tuition: $72,097/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 91.8%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Social sciences, Visual and performing arts
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Los Angeles, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Social sciences.
Berkeley, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 11.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 33,068
Tuition: $50,547/year
Student-faculty ratio: 18.0:1
Graduation rate: 92.8%
Top programs: Computer science, Social sciences, Engineering
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Berkeley, CA with published program strength in Computer science and Social sciences.
| Factor | University of Southern California | University of California-Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% | 11.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1450–1550 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 32–35 | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 20,443 | 33,068 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $72,097/year | $50,547/year |
| Average net price after aid | $32,740 | $13,481 |
| Graduation rate | 91.8% | 92.8% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $92,498 | $92,446 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Public |
| Location | Los Angeles, CA | Berkeley, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Visual and performing arts | Computer science, Social sciences, Engineering |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (9.8% vs 11.0%). University of California-Berkeley has a lower average net price after grant aid ($13,481 vs $32,740). University of California-Berkeley reports the higher graduation rate (92.8% vs 91.8%). University of California-Berkeley is the larger undergraduate campus (33,068 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
University of Southern California vs University of California-Los Angeles
9.8% vs 9.0% acceptance rate
University of Southern California vs Stanford University
9.8% vs 3.6% acceptance rate
University of Southern California vs Claremont McKenna College
9.8% vs 9.6% acceptance rate
University of Southern California vs Pomona College
9.8% vs 7.1% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between University of Southern California and University of California-Berkeley
University of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 9.8%; University of California-Berkeley is around 11.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of Southern California tuition is $72,097/year. University of California-Berkeley is $50,547/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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