Built by MIT Lincoln Laboratory engineers, Berkeley, University of California admissions officers, and Ivy League counselors. Proud partner of The Haq Foundation.
AdmissionsOS

University of California-Berkeley vs University of Southern California

Side by side on admissions, cost, and fit, from the same verified school records.

University of California-Berkeley University of Southern California
Acceptance rate lower = more selective 11.0% 9.8%
SAT range (mid 50%) n/a 1,450-1,550
ACT range (mid 50%) n/a 32-35
Average net price what students actually pay after aid $13,481 $32,740
Sticker cost of attendance $45,619 $90,300
Graduation rate 93% 92%
Retention rate 97% 96%
Undergraduates 33,068 20,443
Student-faculty ratio 18:1 9:1
Setting Berkeley, CA Los Angeles, CA
Type Public Private nonprofit
Application fee $80 $85
Test policy Test-blind Test-optional

Highlighted values mark the stronger figure on cost and outcomes. Verified for the 2025-2026 cycle.

Common questions

Is University of California-Berkeley or University of Southern California harder to get into?

University of Southern California is more selective, with a 9.8% acceptance rate versus 11.0% at University of California-Berkeley. Both should be treated as reaches unless your stats sit at or above the mid-50% range shown above.

Which is cheaper, University of California-Berkeley or University of Southern California?

University of California-Berkeley has the lower average net price ($13,481 versus $32,740). Net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships, so it is a truer comparison than sticker price. Run each school's net price calculator for your own income.