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University of Southern California and University of California-Los Angeles are both private nonprofit institutions — University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA and University of California-Los Angeles in Los Angeles, 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.
Los Angeles, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 9.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 33,475
Tuition: $49,403/year
Student-faculty ratio: 20.0:1
Graduation rate: 92.6%
Top programs: Social sciences, Biological sciences, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Los Angeles, CA with published program strength in Social sciences and Biological sciences.
| Factor | University of Southern California | University of California-Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% | 9.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1450–1550 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 32–35 | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 20,443 | 33,475 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $72,097/year | $49,403/year |
| Average net price after aid | $32,740 | $12,548 |
| Graduation rate | 91.8% | 92.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $92,498 | $82,511 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 20.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Public |
| Location | Los Angeles, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Visual and performing arts | Social sciences, Biological sciences, Psychology |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (9.8% vs 9.0%). University of California-Los Angeles has a lower average net price after grant aid ($12,548 vs $32,740). Both report a similar graduation rate (91.8%). University of California-Los Angeles is the larger undergraduate campus (33,475 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-Berkeley
9.8% vs 11.0% 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-Los Angeles
University of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 9.8%; University of California-Los Angeles is around 9.0%. 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-Los Angeles is $49,403/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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