Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

UCLA vs USC

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

UCLAUSC
Acceptance Rate8.7%10.0%
In-State Tuition$13,747$68,237
Out-of-State Tuition$44,524$68,237
Average Net Price$15,166$23,317
Graduation Rate93.0%92.0%

GradFax Analysis

UCLA accepts 8.7% of applicants. USC accepts 10.0%. UCLA's in-state tuition is $13,747. USC's is $68,237. That's a $54,490 difference per year. Six-year graduation rates are close: 93% at UCLA, 92% at USC.

Bottom Line

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

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →UCLA profileUSC profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, UCLA or USC?

UCLA. It accepts 8.7% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is UCLA or USC more affordable?

UCLA has lower published tuition: $13,747 versus $68,237. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. UCLA 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.

UCLA vs USC: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax