Academic Comparison between USC and CU Boulder

University of Southern California and University of Colorado Boulder 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 CU Boulder is a four-year, public school located in Boulder, CO.

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 CU Boulder is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • USC has more expensive tuition & fees ($71,647) than CU Boulder ($42,970).
  • It is harder to admit to USC than CU Boulder.
  • USC has a higher submitted SAT score (1,500) than CU Boulder (1,340).
  • USC has higher submitted ACT score (33) than CU Boulder (31).
  • USC has more students with 46,566 students while CU Boulder has 38,799 students.
  • USC has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while CU Boulder's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • USC has more full-time faculties with 2,442 faculties while CU Boulder has 1,616 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Southern Californiavs.University of Colorado Boulder
Los Angeles, CaliforniaLocationBoulder, Colorado
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$15,214
Out-Of-State$42,970
69%% Receiving Financial Aid49%
$48,649Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,072
9.81 %Acceptance Rates78.08 %
43.34 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)14.15 %
1,500SAT Score1,340
33ACT Score31
92 %Graduation Rate74 %
-Transfer-out Rate16 %
96 %Retention Rate90 %
46,566Student Population38,799
2,442Number of Faculties1,616
9 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study AbroadSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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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