Compare the academic powerhouses of Los Angeles: USC vs UCLA. These prestigious universities are synonymous with high-quality education and abundant career opportunities. Wondering which one is better? USC or UCLA? Delve into the comprehensive comparison of USC vs UCLA with us.
USC vs UCLA: An Overview Comparison
Regarding the USC vs. UCLA ranking, UCLA is ranked #15 in the QS World University Rankings, while USC is ranked #28. USC was ranked #61 in the 2024 edition of Best Value Schools, while UCLA was ranked #129. In addition, U.S. News & World Report has ranked UCLA the nation’s No. 1 public university for seven years in a row.
USC is home to more than 48,000 students and over 4,400 full-time faculty within its 23 schools and academic units, and is located in the heart of Los Angeles, one of the biggest metropolises in the world. In this place, some of the brightest minds, working together in a dynamic and collaborative environment, are leading the way to the future of education and a healthier, more joyful and more sustainable Los Angeles and world.
UCLA is founded in 1919, with 419 acres campus area, able to arrange 32,423 undergrads enrollment, 14,007 graduates enrollment, more than 40,000 faculty and staff. UCLA offers a vast array of degree programs and areas of study for undergraduate and graduate students. Your academic pursuits at UCLA can flex to suit your needs. Many students in UCLA would pursue a minor or even earn two degrees at once. In some fields, you can pursue a master’s degree as an undergraduate.
Here is an overview comparison of USC vs. UCLA.
| USC | UCLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | University Park Campus 3551 Trousdale Pkwy Los Angeles, CA 90007 | University of California, Los Angeles 405 Hilgard Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90095 |
| Health Science Campus Zonal Avenue, Biggy St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 | ||
| Campus Size | University Park campus, 226 acres Health Sciences campus, 79 acres | 419 acres |
| Neighborhood | University Park, Adams-Normandie, Historic South Central, Vermont Square(University Park campus) | Westwood, Brentwood, Bel Air, Holmby Hills |
| Lincoln Heights, Ramona Gardens, Chinatown, Wellington Heights(Health Sciences campus) | ||
| Public or Private | Private | Public |
| Average Tuition | $69,904 | Out-of-State: $47,052; In-States: $14,478 |
| Cost of Attendance | $95,225 | Out-of-State: $ 71,091; In-States $38,517 |
| Student Housing Cost | $11,910 | $17,148 |
| Total Enrollment | 47,000 | 48,048 |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 21,000 | 33,040 |
| Niche Grade | A+ | A+ |
| Number of Majors | ~200 | ~125 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 9:01 | 18:01 |
| Acceptance Rate | 9.20% | 11% |
| Financial Aid | Nearly two-thirds of the undergraduate student body receives financial aid | 64% of undergraduates received a need-based scholarship or grant aid, with an average award of $22,061 |
| ACT/SAT Policy | Test-Optional | Test-Blind |
| Average GPA | 3.82-4.0 | 4.49 |
| Gender | Female: 60% Male: 39% Non-Binary: 1% | Female: 64% Male: 36% |
| Diversity Statistics | African American: 6% | Asian: 19.9% |
| American Indian & Alaska Native: <1% | Black/African American: 6.1% | |
| Asian & Pacific Islander: 35% | Hispanic: 15.9% | |
| Hispanic: 21% | White/Caucasian: 23.3% | |
| White: 26% | International: 27.1% | |
| Other Domestic or Unknown: 4% | Other 7.8% | |
| Known for What | USC campus size is perfect, not too small, not too big. Everything is centrally located. Friendly and nice environment suitable for study and social. USC alumni care so much about the school and do everything they can to give back. | A well-rounded, competitive academic environment. Large UCLA campus population forces students to learn how to navigate the real world independently. The size also means that whatever you are passionate about, you can find or create a student group for that interest. |
USC vs UCLA: Location
USC students enjoy a prime location in downtown Los Angeles, which provides easy access to the city’s vibrant culture, entertainment venues, and professional opportunities. The proximity to major companies in DTLA can enhance networking and internship prospects. However, urban life experience may also result in higher living costs, traffic congestion, and limited green spaces.
Conversely, UCLA is situated in the upscale neighbourhood of Westwood, offering a more suburban and scenic setting. The campus boasts beautiful gardens, large green space, and views of the surrounding hills. UCLA’s location provides a quieter and more peaceful environment for students to study. However, it may feel slightly isolated from the bustling LA city life and may require more effort to access certain resources or internships.
In summary, USC’s location offers urban advantages and career opportunities, while UCLA’s location provides a serene and picturesque campus environment. The choice between the two depends on personal preferences regarding the atmosphere and opportunities each location offers.
USC vs UCLA: Academic Majors
With 23 schools that encompass the full field of academic and professional study, USC provides students one of the widest ranges of options to choose from. USC School of Cinematic Arts, USC Marshall School of Business, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering are some prestigious and popular schools rencently.
Undergraduates at UCLA can choose from 140 majors and enter a pre-major when it is required before admittance. The Social Sciences are the most popular group of majors at UCLA. Majors like Economics, Political Science, and Sociology are top choices. The following popular majors including Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, and Mathematics. UCLA Anderson School of Management, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, School of the Arts and Architecture are welcomed amoung students.
UCLA vs USC: Campus life
When comparing campus life at USC and UCLA, one can uncover unique experiences and opportunities that cater to diverse student preferences and personalities.
At USC, the campus pulses with energy through its vibrant Greek life scene and an array of student organizations. USC students are characterized as bold, driven, curious, and creative individuals who seek to leave a mark within their academic spheres and beyond. With over 1,000 student organizations, USC fosters a dynamic atmosphere where students can engage in conferences, concerts, spirit rallies, lectures, and many cultural and social events.
Conversely, UCLA’s quarter-based academic calendar attracts students who thrive in self-motivated and fast-paced environments. UCLA students are known to be academically focused individuals who are also keen on exploring extracurricular interests. Many UCLA students actively participate in the university’s extensive network of over 1,300 student clubs and organizations. This emphasis on involvement outside the classroom reflects UCLA’s dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals who excel academically while finding avenues to unwind, socialize, and contribute to the campus community.
In essence, while both USC and UCLA offer vibrant campus experiences enriched by diverse student organizations, the distinct characteristics of each institution cater to students with varying preferences and aspirations, ultimately shaping unique college life experiences.
UCLA vs USC: Acceptance Rate
The University of Southern California (USC) had an acceptance rate of approximately 9.20%. This highly selective rate means that USC receives far more qualified applicants than it can admit. Similarly, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) had an acceptance rate of around 11% for the same year. These low acceptance rates at top-tier universities signify intense competition and the need for students to create compelling applications that make them stand out. Knowing UCLA acceptance rate and USC acceptance rate in advance could help students understand the admissions landscape and tailor their application strategies accordingly, increasing their chances of acceptance to their dream schools.
USC and UCLA: Admissions
USC Application Materials
High School Transcript
ACT, SAT, and AP test scores
Academic Honors and Achievements
Letters of Recommendation
Personal Statement
Activities List
Additional Information Section
Supplemental Essays
UCLA Application Materials
High School Transcript
AP test scores (all UC schools are test-blind for SAT/ACT)
Personal Insight Questions (PIQ)
UC Activities and Awards
UC Additional Information Section
When comparing the application processes and selectivity between UCLA and USC, prospective students and their families are presented with distinct considerations that can significantly impact their college admissions.
UCLA, being a part of the UC system, utilizes the UC Application for prospective students. This application system, with its emphasis on the “personal insight questions,” offers a unique approach compared to the Common App used by USC. Students applying to UCLA through the UC Application should also consider applying to other UC schools, taking advantage of the shared application process and fees within the system.
One notable difference lies in the GPA requirements for admissions consideration. UCLA sets a 3.0 GPA threshold for in-state applicants and a 3.4 GPA threshold for out-of-state applicants, while USC does not have a strict GPA cutoff. However, USC remains highly competitive, with matriculating freshmen boasting impressive average GPAs ranging from 3.82 to 4.0.
Another noteworthy contrast is the stance on standardized testing. UCLA has avoided considering SAT or ACT scores in its admissions decisions. Conversely, while USC has adopted a test-optional policy, applicants with strong test scores are still encouraged to submit them.
USC and UCLA: Student Population
Here is some basic information about USC and UCLA student population, demographics.
- USC Student Population:
Enrollment of around V students - USC Demographics:
African American: 6%
American Indian & Alaska Native: <1%
Asian & Pacific Islander: 35%
Hispanic: 21%
White: 26%
Other Domestic or Unknown: 4%
- UCLA Student Population:
Enrollment of around 48,048 students - UCLA Demographics:
Asian: 19.9%
Black/African American: 6.1%
Hispanic: 15.9%
White/Caucasian: 23.3%
International: 27.1%
Other 7.8%
Learning about this information could help students make informed decisions while applying colleges and allow them to envision themselves thriving in a multicultural environment, helping them identify potential communities and resources that align with their backgrounds and interests. A diverse cultural campus experience can be valuable for a well-rounded college experience
USC vs UCLA: Tuition Fee
USC is so much more expensive to attend than UCLA, because USC is private and UCLA is public. UCLA’s cost is somewhat subsidized by the government. By comparing the cost of attendance (COA) and tuition at USC and UCLA, it’s important to consider the tuition differences for in-state and out-of-state students. If you’re a California resident, attending UCLA would be significantly cheaper due to lower tuition fees. In contrast, USC charges the same tuition for both in-state and out-of-state residents. The table below provides a clearer picture of USC and UCLA’s cost of attendance.
| Aspect | UCLA | USC |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $15,154 | $69,904 |
| Food and Housing | $18,369 | $19,931 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment | $1,641 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $778 | $441 |
| Personal | $2,226 | $2,006 |
| Health Insurance* | $3,774 | NA |
| Loan Fees | $117 | NA |
| CA Resident Total | $42,127 | $95,225 |
| Out of State Tuition | $34,200 | $95,225 |
| Non-Resident Total | $76,327 | $95,225 |
USC vs UCLA: Financial Aid
Both USC and UCLA offer extensive financial aid packages. As mentioned, USC’s attendance cost is much higher than that of UCLA. UC’s Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan at USC and UCLA will ensure that students will not have to pay UC’s systemwide tuition and fees out of their pocket if they are California residents whose total family income is less than $80,000 a year. They qualify for financial aid — and that’s just for starters. Blue and Gold students with sufficient financial need can qualify for even more grant aid to help reduce the cost of attending. Compared to on-campus housing, off-campus housing may offer more flexibility in pricing; if you are looking for cheap apartments in LA, please browse uhomes.com for more resources.
USC fully meets the determined financial need of each domestic undergraduate who satisfies the eligibility requirements and all deadlines. Nearly two-thirds of the undergraduate student body receives aid through grants, work-study programs, merit scholarships, loans, and more. Browse USC’s official website; some videos help you learn about the basics of qualifying, applying for, and receiving financial aid.
How to Choose Between USC and UCLA
USC or UCLA, which suits you better? Ask yourself the following questions: figuring out these could help you choose a university that suits you better. The most important things to consider are your major and how well you perform in school. Look at your career potential and plans, not only at your school’s reputation.
- How do the research opportunities at USC and UCLA compare in the field of my interests?
- Which university has a stronger network in my area of study?
- How do the teaching methodologies differ between USC and UCLA, and which align with my values?
- Regarding academic resources and support, which university offers better opportunities for my future development?
- What are the safety measures and campus security like at UCLA and USC?
- How do UCLA and USC’s career placement services and alumni networks differ?
- What are the surrounding neighbourhood and off-campus environments like at UCLA and USC?
- How do the costs of student housing and living expenses compare between UCLA and USC?
- Are there notable differences in the extracurricular activities and student support services offered by UCLA and USC?
- Which campus culture resonates more with my values and interests?
- How do the internship and job opportunities for students differ between UCLA and USC?
- What is the social scene like at UCLA and USC, and where do I feel I would fit in best?
- How do student satisfaction rates and mental health support services compare between UCLA and USC?
- Are there any unique study abroad or exchange programs that each university offers that could enhance my academic experience?
Pros and Cons of Attending USC or UCLA
Is USC or UCLA better? There is no exact answer. Here are the pros and cons of studying at UCLA and USC.
- Pros of Attending UCLA:
Highly ranked school with many highly ranked programs
Located in a nice and safe neighbourhood in LA
Relatively cheaper than USC
More internationally recognized
Better dining hall food
- Cons of Attending UCLA:
Crowded classes and difficulty in getting needed classes
Lower chances of graduating in four years due to class availability issues
Topographically very hilly
UCLA campus is huge; it might take you more than 40 minutes to walk across the diameter
Funded mainly by the government, the budget for education would affect UCLA more than a private school like USC
The network may not be as strong as USC
- Pros of Attending USC:
Highly ranked school with many highly ranked programs
Small class means your professor gets to know you
Companies will come to the campus to interview you to hire you
USC alumni lead or own many big companies.
USC is close to LA Live, Staple Center and downtown LA
Have a free Uber-like service
More evenly distributed diversity compared to UCLA
Vital programs in film, communications, accounting, physical therapy, and engineering
- Cons of Attending USC:
USC is a private school, which usually means higher tuition and fees, although many students receive financial aid and scholarships
The campus is located in an urban setting, which might be less appealing than the more traditional college-town atmosphere of UCLA
Ultimately, the choice between USC and UCLA should consider individual factors, including desired major and specific program strengths.
FAQ
According to the most recent data, UCLA’s acceptance rate is around 11%, whereas USC’s is around 9.2%. However, if you are a resident of CA, apply UCLA might be easier because it is a public school. For international students, applying USC might be easier.
UCLA is currently ranked #15 in the U.S. news, while USC is ranked #28; look beyond prestige when comparing the University of Southern California and the University of California Los Angeles. Choose a major you like and plan your career development early. USC campus is blocks away from downtown LA, making it more convenient for students to find internships.
In conclusion, both UCLA and USC have their strengths and weaknesses, and determining which university is more suitable ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities.
UCLA offers highly ranked programs, a nice neighbourhood, and a comparatively lower cost. However, it may face challenges such as crowded classes and difficulty graduating within four years.
Conversely, USC boasts highly-ranked programs, an excellent alumni network, and a unique sense of pride. Despite being expensive, financial aid and scholarships are often available. Ultimately, considering one’s major and evaluating specific program strengths is crucial in making a decision.
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