Compare

University of California-Berkeley vs University of Southern California

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

University Wins

Tied / N/A

University Wins

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

Overview

Public

Type

Private nonprofit

Urban

Setting

Urban

Far West

Region

Far West

33,068

Enrollment

20,443

HBCU

Admissions

11%

Acceptance Rate

10%

N/A

SAT Average

1495

N/A

ACT Midpoint

N/A

SAT Range

1450-1550

Cost & Financial Aid

$16,347

In-State Tuition

$72,097

$50,547

Out-of-State Tuition

$72,097

$13,481

Average Net Price

$32,740

$5,311

Net Price ($0-30K income)

$13,516

$6,501

Net Price ($30-48K)

$14,394

$9,693

Net Price ($48-75K)

$19,539

$34,529

Net Price ($110K+)

$56,116

29%

Pell Grant Rate

22%

17%

Federal Loan Rate

24%

Academics

93%

Graduation Rate

92%

97%

Retention Rate

96%

70%

Full-Time Faculty

59%

$21,246

Faculty Salary (monthly)

$17,924

35%

First-Gen Students

25%

Student Body

55%

Female

55%

20%

White

26%

22%

Hispanic

20%

Black

35%

Asian

23%

0.77

Diversity Index

0.81

Outcomes

$74,919

Earnings (6yr)

$74,461

$84,865

Earnings (8yr)

$87,601

$92,446

Earnings (10yr)

$92,498

$13,000

Median Debt

$18,000

0.14x

Debt-to-Earnings

0.19x

76%

Earning Above HS

81%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

N/A

Mobility Rate

393.30%

N/A

Success Rate (bottom 20%)

5455.5%

N/A

From Bottom 20%

720.9%

N/A

Parent Median Income

$120,100

Social Capital

1.82

Economic Connectedness

1.78

0.01

Friending Bias

0.03

12.2%

Volunteering Rate

8.2%

Research (Times HE)

N/A

World Rank

#73

N/A

Teaching Score

65.4

N/A

Research Score

48.7

N/A

Citations Score

71.9

The Overviews

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public

11% accept 93% grad $92,446 earnings $13,481 net

The University of California-Berkeley has a remarkable graduation rate of 93%. This high rate indicates strong student support and a commitment to student success. With an acceptance rate of just 11%, selectivity is high, making it a competitive choice for prospective students.

According to Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, UC Berkeley is a strong performer in economic mobility. While specific mobility rates are not provided, the school is known for propelling graduates into high-earning careers. The median earnings for graduates after ten years is an impressive $92,446, suggesting substantial return on investment for students.

The net price of attendance is around $13,481, and the median debt for graduates is $13,000. This manageable debt level, combined with high earning potential, makes UC Berkeley an attractive option for students. Those who thrive here typically have strong academic backgrounds, are motivated, and are seeking opportunities in fields like Computer Science, Engineering, and Social Sciences.

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University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit

10% accept 92% grad $92,498 earnings $32,740 net

The University of Southern California has an impressive graduation rate of 92%. This reflects the institution's strong commitment to student success and academic support. Students here are likely to find a community that encourages them to complete their degrees on time.

According to data from Opportunity Insights, while specific mobility metrics are not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are able to improve their economic prospects through education. Graduates from USC earn a median salary of $92,498 a decade after leaving, indicating a solid return on investment for their education.

The cost of attendance at USC is $32,740, with a median debt of $18,000 for those who borrow. This financial landscape makes it essential for prospective students to consider their funding options. Students who thrive at USC often have a clear focus on their career paths, particularly in fields like business, arts, and technology.

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