Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

UC San Diego vs USC

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

UC San DiegoUSC
Acceptance Rate24.5%10.0%
In-State Tuition$15,265$68,237
Out-of-State Tuition$46,042$68,237
Average Net Price$13,293$23,317
Graduation Rate88.0%92.0%

GradFax Analysis

UC San Diego accepts 24.5% of applicants. USC accepts 10.0%. UC San Diego's in-state tuition is $15,265. USC's is $68,237. That's a $52,972 difference per year. UC San Diego graduates 88% of students in 6 years. USC graduates 92%.

Bottom Line

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

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →UC San Diego profileUSC profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, UC San Diego or USC?

USC. It accepts 10.0% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is UC San Diego or USC more affordable?

UC San Diego has lower published tuition: $15,265 versus $68,237. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

USC: 92% of students finish in 6 years. UC San Diego is at 88%.

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.

UC San Diego vs USC: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax