University of South Carolina-Columbia vs California State University-Los Angeles

Columbia, SC — Los Angeles, CA

Metric
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Location Columbia, SC Los Angeles, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 29,820 19,562
Acceptance Rate 60.2% 91.3%
SAT Average 1,297
In-State Tuition $12,688 $7,160
Out-of-State Tuition $35,972 $19,760
Avg Net Price $22,811 $3,967
Median Debt at Graduation $21,500 $13,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 78.3% 52.8%
Retention Rate 92.2% 71.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $50,621 $45,702
Median Earnings (10 yr) $62,177 $59,211
Loan Repayment Rate 751700.0% 569900.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
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California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of South Carolina-Columbia and California State University-Los Angeles compare?
University of South Carolina-Columbia (Columbia, SC) has an acceptance rate of 60.2%, in-state tuition of $12,688, and median 10-year earnings of $62,177. California State University-Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) has an acceptance rate of 91.3%, in-state tuition of $7,160, and median 10-year earnings of $59,211.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of South Carolina-Columbia or California State University-Los Angeles?
University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $62,177 vs $59,211. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of South Carolina-Columbia or California State University-Los Angeles?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Los Angeles is the more affordable option at $3,967 per year versus $22,811.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of South Carolina-Columbia has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 78.3% vs 52.8%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025