DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 120 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29
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USC vs UCLA

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PRIVATE

USC

Los Angeles, CA
55
DECISION SCORE
vs
METRICS
SCHOOL B · PUBLIC

UCLA

Los Angeles, CA
100
DECISION SCORE
01

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted
MetricUSCUCLAEdge
Acceptance Rate 10.0% 9.0% USC (easier)
Average SAT 1495 N/A
Graduation Rate N/A 92.6%
Enrollment 52,694 33,475 USC larger
Tuition (Out-of-State) N/A $49,403
Median Earnings (10yr) $92,498 $82,511 USC
Median Debt $18,000 $14,000 UCLA lower
Pell Grant Rate 22.0% 28.2% Higher = more low-income students
02

Decision scores

USC

55 Overall Fit 50 ROI 35 Transfer

UCLA

100 Overall Fit 95 ROI 31 Transfer
03

Top majors

USC

Business/Marketing 22.4%
Visual/Performing Arts 12.1%
Social Sciences 10.8%
Engineering 8.3%
Communication 8.2%

UCLA

Social Sciences 18.0%
Biological Sciences 12.0%
Psychology 10.0%
Engineering 9.0%
Visual/Performing Arts 8.0%

Which Should You Choose?

Both USC and UCLA are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

  • If location matters: USC is in Los Angeles, CA while UCLA is in Los Angeles, CA
  • If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
  • If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
  • If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

USC vs UCLA FAQs

Which is harder to get into, USC or UCLA?
UCLA is harder to get into, with a 9.0% acceptance rate vs USC's 10.0%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.
Which is more expensive, USC or UCLA?
USC has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($90,300/yr) vs UCLA ($38,614/yr) — a difference of $51,686/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $25,708/yr at USC vs $13,179/yr at UCLA.
Which has higher graduate earnings, USC or UCLA?
USC graduates earn more — a median of $92,498 10 years post-grad, vs $82,511 at UCLA. Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.
Which should I choose, USC or UCLA?
It depends on your priorities. USC is in Los Angeles, CA; UCLA is in Los Angeles, CA. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).
Which has better programs, USC or UCLA?
Both USC and UCLA have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — USC's salary page and UCLA's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.
04

Explore each school

USC
Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI
UCLA
Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.