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 Rate26.7%9.8%
In-State Tuition$16,758$72,097
Out-of-State Tuition$50,958$72,097
Average Net Price$14,047$43,412
Graduation Rate86.0%92.0%
Total Enrollment44,25646,566
Student-Faculty Ratio199

GradFax Analysis

UC San Diego accepts 26.7% of applicants. USC accepts 9.8%. UC San Diego's in-state tuition is $16,758. USC's is $72,097. That's a $55,339 difference per year. UC San Diego graduates 86% 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.

After aid, the average student pays $14,047/year at UC San Diego and $43,412/year at USC. UC San Diego is cheaper for most people.

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 9.8% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is UC San Diego or USC more affordable?

UC San Diego, on average. After aid, students pay $14,047/year versus $43,412/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

USC: 92% of students finish in 6 years. UC San Diego is at 86%.

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.