University of Southern California vs University of California-Berkeley

Los Angeles, CA — Berkeley, CA

Metric
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Location Los Angeles, CA Berkeley, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 20,443 33,068
Acceptance Rate 9.8% 11.0%
SAT Average 1,495
In-State Tuition $72,097 $16,347
Out-of-State Tuition $72,097 $50,547
Avg Net Price $32,740 $13,481
Median Debt at Graduation $18,000 $13,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 91.9% 92.9%
Retention Rate 95.9% 96.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $74,461 $74,919
Median Earnings (10 yr) $92,498 $92,446
Loan Repayment Rate 435800.0% 641400.0%

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

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

How do University of Southern California and University of California-Berkeley compare?
University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) has an acceptance rate of 9.8%, in-state tuition of $72,097, and median 10-year earnings of $92,498. University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) has an acceptance rate of 11.0%, in-state tuition of $16,347, and median 10-year earnings of $92,446.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of Southern California or University of California-Berkeley?
University of Southern California graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $92,498 vs $92,446. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Southern California or University of California-Berkeley?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Berkeley is the more affordable option at $13,481 per year versus $32,740.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Berkeley has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 92.9% vs 91.9%.

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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