College Comparison
UCLA vs University of South Carolina-Columbia: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
UCLA
Los Angeles, CA
School
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UCLA | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.7%wins | 61.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1180–1380wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 26–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $44,524 | $34,934wins |
| Avg Net Price | $14,013wins | $24,532 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $82,511wins | $62,177 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.7%wins | 77.8% |
| Retention Rate | 96.8%wins | 90.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 33,040wins | 28,113 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UCLA edges out South Carolina on 6 of 8 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
UCLA Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 8.7%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $14,013
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $82,511
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.7%
South Carolina Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1180–1380
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $34,934
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.