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

Columbia, SC — Los Angeles, CA

Metric
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Location Columbia, SC Los Angeles, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 29,820 33,475
Acceptance Rate 60.2% 9.0%
SAT Average 1,297
In-State Tuition $12,688 $15,203
Out-of-State Tuition $35,972 $49,403
Avg Net Price $22,811 $12,548
Median Debt at Graduation $21,500 $14,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 78.3% 92.6%
Retention Rate 92.2% 97.3%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $50,621 $59,063
Median Earnings (10 yr) $62,177 $82,511
Loan Repayment Rate 751700.0% 748300.0%

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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University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of South Carolina-Columbia and University of California-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. University of California-Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) has an acceptance rate of 9.0%, in-state tuition of $15,203, and median 10-year earnings of $82,511.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of South Carolina-Columbia or University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $82,511 vs $62,177. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of South Carolina-Columbia or University of California-Los Angeles?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Los Angeles is the more affordable option at $12,548 per year versus $22,811.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Los Angeles has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 92.6% vs 78.3%.

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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