Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

UC Berkeley vs USC

Berkeley, CA · Los Angeles, CA · Source: IPEDS federal database

UC BerkeleyUSC
Acceptance Rate11.0%9.8%
In-State Tuition$16,347$72,097
Out-of-State Tuition$50,547$72,097
Average Net Price$16,538$43,412
Graduation Rate93.0%92.0%
Total Enrollment45,88246,566
Student-Faculty Ratio189

GradFax Analysis

UC Berkeley accepts 11.0% of applicants. USC accepts 9.8%. UC Berkeley's in-state tuition is $16,347. USC's is $72,097. That's a $55,750 difference per year. Six-year graduation rates are close: 93% at UC Berkeley, 92% at USC.

Bottom Line

UC Berkeley is public; USC is private. If you're an in-state student, UC Berkeley will cost significantly less. Check the net price numbers above before deciding.

After aid, the average student pays $16,538/year at UC Berkeley and $43,412/year at USC. UC Berkeley is cheaper for most people.

Source: IPEDS: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →UC Berkeley profileUSC profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, UC Berkeley or USC?

USC. It accepts 9.8% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is UC Berkeley or USC more affordable?

UC Berkeley, on average. After aid, students pay $16,538/year versus $43,412/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. UC Berkeley is at 93%; USC is at 92%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.