Academic Comparison between UCLA and USC

University of California-Los Angeles and University of Southern California are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. UCLA is a four-year, public school located in Los Angeles, CA and USC is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Los Angeles, CA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • UCLA is a public and USC is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • USC has more expensive tuition & fees ($71,647) than UCLA ($46,121).
  • It is harder to admit to UCLA than USC.
  • UCLA has more students with 47,335 students while USC has 46,566 students.
  • USC has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while UCLA's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • UCLA has more full-time faculties with 4,491 faculties while USC has 2,442 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of California-Los Angelesvs.University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CaliforniaLocationLos Angeles, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$14,233
Out-Of-State$46,121
2025 Tuition & Fees$71,647
55%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$23,418Average Amount of Financial Aid$48,649
8.97 %Acceptance Rates9.81 %
50.40 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)43.34 %
-SAT Score1,500
-ACT Score33
93 %Graduation Rate92 %
3 %Transfer-out Rate-
97 %Retention Rate96 %
47,335Student Population46,566
4,491Number of Faculties2,442
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study AbroadSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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