San Francisco State University vs University of Southern California
San Francisco State University is a public university in San Francisco, 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 96% at San Francisco State University. San Francisco State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,278 a year against $32,740 at University of Southern California. About 92% of students graduate at University of Southern California, compared with 50% at San Francisco State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Southern California alumni earn a median of about $92,498, against $68,077 for San Francisco State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
San Francisco, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
18,639
20,443
Acceptance rate
96%
10%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1130
1450–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
16–23
32–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,278
$32,740
Full cost / yr
$26,488
$90,300
In-state tuition
$7,950
$72,097
Out-of-state tuition
$20,550
$72,097
Application fee
$70
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,341
$13,516
$30k - $48k
$9,867
$14,394
$48k - $75k
$11,825
$19,539
$75k - $110k
$14,556
$24,976
Over $110k
$22,523
$56,116
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
92%
Freshman retention
83%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,650
$74,461
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,077
$92,498
Median debt at graduation
$15,371
$18,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
42%
22%
First-generation students
48%
25%
International students
4%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Apr 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 San Francisco State University 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 96% at San Francisco State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, San Francisco State University or University of Southern California?
- San Francisco State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,278 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 San Francisco State University and University of Southern California?
- Before aid, San Francisco State University costs about $26,488 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, San Francisco State University or University of Southern California?
- San Francisco State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,341 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, San Francisco State University or University of Southern California?
- University of Southern California is the larger of the two, with about 20,443 undergraduates against 18,639 at San Francisco State University.
- Does San Francisco State University or University of Southern California have a better graduation rate?
- University of Southern California has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 50% at San Francisco State University.
- Do graduates of San Francisco State University 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 $68,077 for San Francisco State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do San Francisco State University and University of Southern California require SAT or ACT scores?
- San Francisco State University 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 San Francisco State University and University of Southern California look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1130 at San Francisco State University and 1450–1550 at University of Southern California. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
San Francisco State University vs University of California-Los AngelesSan Francisco State University vs University of California-BerkeleySan Francisco State University 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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