California State University-Sacramento vs University of Southern California
California State University-Sacramento is a public university in Sacramento, CA, and University of Southern California is a private university in Los Angeles, CA. University of Southern California is the more selective of the two, admitting about 10% of applicants against 94% at California State University-Sacramento. California State University-Sacramento is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,338 a year against $32,740 at University of Southern California. About 92% of students graduate at University of Southern California, compared with 56% at California State University-Sacramento. Ten years after enrolling, University of Southern California alumni earn a median of about $92,498, against $64,876 for California State University-Sacramento.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Sacramento, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
28,350
20,443
Acceptance rate
94%
10%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.14–3.64
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1130
1450–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
17–23
32–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,338
$32,740
Full cost / yr
$22,945
$90,300
In-state tuition
$8,018
$72,097
Out-of-state tuition
$20,618
$72,097
Application fee
$70
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,501
$13,516
$30k - $48k
$7,001
$14,394
$48k - $75k
$9,212
$19,539
$75k - $110k
$11,814
$24,976
Over $110k
$18,861
$56,116
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
92%
Freshman retention
82%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,074
$74,461
Median earnings (10 yr)
$64,876
$92,498
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$18,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
49%
22%
First-generation students
49%
25%
International students
2%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Dec 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Dec 15
Jan 10
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is California State University-Sacramento or University of Southern California harder to get into?
- University of Southern California is harder to get into. It admits about 10% of applicants, compared with 94% at California State University-Sacramento. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, California State University-Sacramento or University of Southern California?
- California State University-Sacramento is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,338 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,740 at University of Southern California. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at California State University-Sacramento and University of Southern California?
- Before aid, California State University-Sacramento costs about $22,945 a year and University of Southern California about $90,300. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, California State University-Sacramento or University of Southern California?
- California State University-Sacramento. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,501 there, against about $13,516 at University of Southern California. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, California State University-Sacramento or University of Southern California?
- California State University-Sacramento is the larger of the two, with about 28,350 undergraduates against 20,443 at University of Southern California.
- Does California State University-Sacramento or University of Southern California have a better graduation rate?
- University of Southern California has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 56% at California State University-Sacramento.
- Do graduates of California State University-Sacramento or University of Southern California earn more?
- University of Southern California alumni earn more on average: a median of about $92,498 ten years after enrolling, against about $64,876 for California State University-Sacramento. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do California State University-Sacramento and University of Southern California require SAT or ACT scores?
- California State University-Sacramento is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Southern California is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do California State University-Sacramento and University of Southern California look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1130 at California State University-Sacramento and 1450–1550 at University of Southern California. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
California State University-Sacramento vs University of California-Los AngelesCalifornia State University-Sacramento vs University of California-BerkeleyCalifornia State University-Sacramento vs University of California-San DiegoUniversity of Southern California vs University of California-Los AngelesUniversity of Southern California vs University of California-BerkeleyUniversity of Southern California vs University of California-San Diego
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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