College Comparison
UCLA vs USC: 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
USC
Los Angeles, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UCLA | USC |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.7%wins | 10.0% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1440–1550wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 32–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $44,524wins | $68,237 |
| Avg Net Price | $14,013wins | $31,927 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $82,511 | $92,498wins |
| Graduation Rate | 92.7%wins | 92.0% |
| Retention Rate | 96.8%wins | 96.5% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 9:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,040wins | 20,817 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UCLA edges out USC on 6 of 9 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%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $44,524
- ✓Avg Net Price: $14,013
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.7%
USC Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1440–1550
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,498
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Want a deeper comparison?
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