University of California-Santa Cruz vs University of Southern California
University of California-Santa Cruz is a public university in Santa Cruz, 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-Santa Cruz about 66%, making University of Southern California the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,890 a year at University of California-Santa Cruz after aid, and about $32,740 at University of Southern California. About 92% of students graduate at University of Southern California, compared with 75% at University of California-Santa Cruz. Ten years after enrolling, University of Southern California alumni earn a median of about $92,498, against $68,396 for University of California-Santa Cruz.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Santa Cruz, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
17,940
20,443
Acceptance rate
66%
10%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
1450–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
25–33
32–35
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,890
$32,740
Full cost / yr
$41,179
$90,300
In-state tuition
$16,005
$72,097
Out-of-state tuition
$50,205
$72,097
Application fee
$80
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,717
$13,516
$30k - $48k
$10,613
$14,394
$48k - $75k
$14,418
$19,539
$75k - $110k
$18,986
$24,976
Over $110k
$33,323
$56,116
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
92%
Freshman retention
88%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,716
$74,461
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,396
$92,498
Median debt at graduation
$16,666
$18,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
22%
First-generation students
37%
25%
International students
3%
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-Santa Cruz 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 66% at University of California-Santa Cruz. 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-Santa Cruz or University of Southern California?
- University of California-Santa Cruz is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,890 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-Santa Cruz and University of Southern California?
- Before aid, University of California-Santa Cruz costs about $41,179 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-Santa Cruz or University of Southern California?
- University of California-Santa Cruz. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,717 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-Santa Cruz or University of Southern California?
- University of Southern California is the larger of the two, with about 20,443 undergraduates against 17,940 at University of California-Santa Cruz.
- Does University of California-Santa Cruz or University of Southern California have a better graduation rate?
- University of Southern California has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 75% at University of California-Santa Cruz.
- Do graduates of University of California-Santa Cruz 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 $68,396 for University of California-Santa Cruz. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of California-Santa Cruz and University of Southern California require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of California-Santa Cruz 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-Santa Cruz and University of Southern California look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at University of California-Santa Cruz and 1450–1550 at University of Southern California. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of California-Santa Cruz vs University of California-Los AngelesUniversity of California-Santa Cruz vs University of California-BerkeleyUniversity of California-Santa Cruz 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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