College Comparison
USC vs UC Davis: 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 Davis
Davis, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | USC | UC Davis |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.0%wins | 41.6% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1440–1550wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–35 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $68,237 | $46,024wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,927 | $15,288wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,498wins | $80,838 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.0%wins | 85.1% |
| Retention Rate | 96.5%wins | 93.4% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1wins | 21:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 20,817 | 31,777wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, USC edges out UC Davis 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.
USC Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 10.0%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1440–1550
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,498
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.0%
UC Davis Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $46,024
- ✓Avg Net Price: $15,288
- ✓Total Enrollment: 31,777
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.