University of California-Davis vs University of Southern California
University of California-Davis is a public university in Davis, CA. University of Southern California is a private university in Los Angeles, CA. University of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants and University of California-Davis about 42%, making University of Southern California the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,741 a year at University of California-Davis after aid, and about $32,740 at University of Southern California. About 92% of students graduate at University of Southern California, compared with 85% at University of California-Davis. Ten years after enrolling, University of Southern California alumni earn a median of about $92,498, against $80,838 for University of California-Davis.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Davis, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
32,253
20,443
Acceptance rate
42%
10%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1400
1450–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
25–33
32–35
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,741
$32,740
Full cost / yr
$41,238
$90,300
In-state tuition
$16,774
$72,097
Out-of-state tuition
$50,974
$72,097
Application fee
$80
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,211
$13,516
$30k - $48k
$9,966
$14,394
$48k - $75k
$11,951
$19,539
$75k - $110k
$16,294
$24,976
Over $110k
$31,272
$56,116
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
92%
Freshman retention
93%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,461
$74,461
Median earnings (10 yr)
$80,838
$92,498
Median debt at graduation
$13,000
$18,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
22%
First-generation students
41%
25%
International students
13%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Nov 30
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 University of California-Davis 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 42% at University of California-Davis. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, University of California-Davis or University of Southern California?
- University of California-Davis is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,741 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 University of California-Davis and University of Southern California?
- Before aid, University of California-Davis costs about $41,238 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, University of California-Davis or University of Southern California?
- University of California-Davis. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,211 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, University of California-Davis or University of Southern California?
- University of California-Davis is the larger of the two, with about 32,253 undergraduates against 20,443 at University of Southern California.
- Does University of California-Davis or University of Southern California have a better graduation rate?
- University of Southern California has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 85% at University of California-Davis.
- Do graduates of University of California-Davis 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 $80,838 for University of California-Davis. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of California-Davis and University of Southern California require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of California-Davis is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. University of Southern California is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of California-Davis and University of Southern California look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1400 at University of California-Davis and 1450–1550 at University of Southern California. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of California-Davis vs University of California-Los AngelesUniversity of California-Davis vs University of California-BerkeleyUniversity of California-Davis 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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