Academic Comparison between USC and UC Berkeley

University of Southern California and University of California-Berkeley are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. USC is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Los Angeles, CA and UC Berkeley is a four-year, public school located in Berkeley, CA.

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.

  • USC is a private (not-for-profit) and UC Berkeley is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • USC has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,237) than UC Berkeley ($45,627).
  • It is harder to admit to USC than UC Berkeley.
  • USC has more students with 48,945 students while UC Berkeley has 45,307 students.
  • USC has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while UC Berkeley's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • USC has more full-time faculties with 2,403 faculties while UC Berkeley has 1,847 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Southern Californiavs.University of California-Berkeley
Los Angeles, CaliforniaLocationBerkeley, California
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$68,2372024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,850
Out-Of-State$45,627
68%% Receiving Financial Aid59%
$43,570Average Amount of Financial Aid$22,200
10.02 %Acceptance Rates11.66 %
44.89 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)45.25 %
1,510SAT Score-
33ACT Score-
92 %Graduation Rate94 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
97 %Retention Rate96 %
48,945Student Population45,307
2,403Number of Faculties1,847
9 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study AbroadSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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