Academic Comparison between USC and UC Berkeley

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

  • USC is a private (not-for-profit) and UC Berkeley is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • USC has more expensive tuition & fees ($71,647) than UC Berkeley ($47,265).
  • It is harder to admit to USC than UC Berkeley.
  • USC has more students with 46,566 students while UC Berkeley has 45,882 students.
  • USC has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while UC Berkeley's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • USC has more full-time faculties with 2,442 faculties while UC Berkeley has 1,971 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Southern Californiavs.University of California-Berkeley
Los Angeles, CaliforniaLocationBerkeley, California
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$71,6472025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,377
Out-Of-State$47,265
69%% Receiving Financial Aid60%
$48,649Average Amount of Financial Aid$25,091
9.81 %Acceptance Rates10.98 %
43.34 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)45.99 %
1,500SAT Score-
33ACT Score-
92 %Graduation Rate93 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
96 %Retention Rate97 %
46,566Student Population45,882
2,442Number of Faculties1,971
9 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study AbroadSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
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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