Academic Comparison between CalArts and USC

California Institute of the Arts and University of Southern California are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit) and located in California

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit) schools.
  • USC has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,237) than CalArts ($56,724).
  • It is harder to admit to USC than CalArts.
  • USC has more students with 48,945 students while CalArts has 1,440 students.
  • CalArts has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while USC's ratio is 9 to 1.
  • USC has more full-time faculties with 2,403 faculties while CalArts has 154 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Institute of the Artsvs.University of Southern California
Valencia, CaliforniaLocationLos Angeles, California
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$56,7242024 Tuition & Fees$68,237
55%% Receiving Financial Aid68%
$20,801Average Amount of Financial Aid$43,570
26.00 %Acceptance Rates10.00 %
34.03 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)44.99 %
-SAT Score1,510
-ACT Score33
63 %Graduation Rate92 %
18 %Transfer-out Rate-
85 %Retention Rate97 %
1,440Student Population48,945
154Number of Faculties2,403
7 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Study AbroadSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare