College Comparison
USC vs UC Irvine: 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 Irvine
Irvine, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | USC | UC Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.0%wins | 25.6% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1440–1550wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–35 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $68,237 | $45,014wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,927 | $12,840wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,498wins | $80,735 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.0%wins | 86.0% |
| Retention Rate | 96.5%wins | 93.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 20,817 | 29,494wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, USC edges out UC Irvine 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 Irvine Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,014
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,840
- ✓Total Enrollment: 29,494
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