California State University-San Bernardino vs University of Southern California
California State University-San Bernardino is a public university in San Bernardino, CA. University of Southern California is a private university in Los Angeles, CA. University of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants and California State University-San Bernardino about 94%, making University of Southern California the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $4,564 a year at California State University-San Bernardino after aid, and about $32,740 at University of Southern California. About 92% of students graduate at University of Southern California, compared with 55% at California State University-San Bernardino. Ten years after enrolling, University of Southern California alumni earn a median of about $92,498, against $59,977 for California State University-San Bernardino.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
San Bernardino, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
15,023
20,443
Acceptance rate
94%
10%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.09–3.59
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1080
1450–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
15–20
32–35
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$4,564
$32,740
Full cost / yr
$17,427
$90,300
In-state tuition
$8,093
$72,097
Out-of-state tuition
$20,693
$72,097
Application fee
$70
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$2,681
$13,516
$30k - $48k
$2,680
$14,394
$48k - $75k
$4,735
$19,539
$75k - $110k
$7,745
$24,976
Over $110k
$14,316
$56,116
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
92%
Freshman retention
80%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,149
$74,461
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,977
$92,498
Median debt at graduation
$14,715
$18,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
22%
First-generation students
60%
25%
International students
1%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 31
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-San Bernardino 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-San Bernardino. 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-San Bernardino or University of Southern California?
- California State University-San Bernardino is cheaper on average. Students pay about $4,564 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-San Bernardino and University of Southern California?
- Before aid, California State University-San Bernardino costs about $17,427 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-San Bernardino or University of Southern California?
- California State University-San Bernardino. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,681 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-San Bernardino or University of Southern California?
- University of Southern California is the larger of the two, with about 20,443 undergraduates against 15,023 at California State University-San Bernardino.
- Does California State University-San Bernardino or University of Southern California have a better graduation rate?
- University of Southern California has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 55% at California State University-San Bernardino.
- Do graduates of California State University-San Bernardino 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 $59,977 for California State University-San Bernardino. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do California State University-San Bernardino and University of Southern California require SAT or ACT scores?
- California State University-San Bernardino considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit 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-San Bernardino and University of Southern California look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1080 at California State University-San Bernardino and 1450–1550 at University of Southern California. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
California State University-San Bernardino vs University of California-Los AngelesCalifornia State University-San Bernardino vs University of California-BerkeleyCalifornia State University-San Bernardino 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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