Head-to-head · 2026
University of California-Los Angeles vs University of Southern California
Compare average net price ($12,548 at University of California-Los Angeles; $32,740 at University of Southern California), ROI score (16.44 vs 7.06), ten-year median earnings ($82,511 vs $92,498), and admissions selectivity (9% acceptance at University of California-Los Angeles; 9.8% at University of Southern California) using federal College Scorecard data. University of California-Los Angeles has a 5-1 metric-level edge. University of California-Los Angeles leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | University of California-Los Angeles | University of Southern California |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 16.44 ✓ | 7.06 |
| Avg net price | $12,548 ✓ | $32,740 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $82,511 | $92,498 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 9% ✓ | 9.8% |
| Graduation rate | 92.6% ✓ | 91.8% |
| Median debt | $14,000 ✓ | $18,000 |
| Enrollment | 33,475 | 20,443 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | 1495 |
| Metric advantages | 5 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Southern California costs $20,192 more per year than University of California-Los Angeles ($32,740 vs $12,548). University of Southern California graduates report $9,987 higher median earnings after ten years ($92,498 vs $82,511). On EduGradify's model that puts University of California-Los Angeles ahead on projected ROI (16.44 vs 7.06, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of California-Los Angeles) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of California-Los Angeles is highly competitive at 9% acceptance versus 9.8% (highly competitive) at University of Southern California.
Frequently asked
University of California-Los Angeles vs University of Southern California, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of California-Los Angeles or University of Southern California the better value?
University of California-Los Angeles has the higher EduGradify ROI score (16.44 vs 7.06), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of California-Los Angeles is cheaper — average net price $12,548 per year vs $32,740 at University of Southern California. The annual difference of $20,192 adds up to about $80,768 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Southern California reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $92,498 vs $82,511 at University of California-Los Angeles. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,987.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of California-Los Angeles is more selective at 9% acceptance vs 9.8% at University of Southern California.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. University of California-Los Angeles reports a A+ value grade; University of Southern California reports C.