College Comparison
USC vs UC Berkeley: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more — updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
USC
Los Angeles, CA
School
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | USC | UC Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.0%wins | 11.7% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1440–1550wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–35 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $68,237 | $45,627wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,927 | $14,979wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,498wins | $92,446 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.0% | 92.9%wins |
| Retention Rate | 96.5% | 96.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 20,817 | 33,073wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Berkeley edges out USC on 5 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.
USC Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 10.0%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1440–1550
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,498
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 9:1
UC Berkeley Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,627
- ✓Avg Net Price: $14,979
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.9%
- ✓Retention Rate: 96.8%
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.