University of California vs University of Southern California: Complete Comparison 2026
Side-by-side look at University of California and University of Southern California: QS 2026 ranks 46 vs 146. Acceptance, tuition, language tests, and typical…
→ University of California profile → University of Southern California profile
Summary comparison
Figures come from the GlobalAdmit dataset — always confirm on each university’s official admissions site.
| Metric | University of California | University of Southern California |
|---|---|---|
| QS rank 2026 | 46 | 146 |
| Location | 洛杉磯，加州，美國, US 🇺🇸 | Los Angeles, US 🇺🇸 |
| Tier | top30 | top300 |
| Acceptance rate | — | — |
| Tuition (intl / yr) | — | — |
| Testing policy (US HS notes) | 需完成 A-G 課程；重視高 GPA、課程難度與整體背景。SAT/ACT 不納入審查。 | Common Application with USC supplements; portfolio or audition required for Cinematic Arts and some arts majors. |
| Standardised test (mid / range) | — | — |
| Language (summary) | — | — |
| IB typical | 接受；HL 可用於入學後學分認定。具體最低錄取分數 N/A。 | IB HL subjects considered for course credit and readiness; verify Viterbi and Dornsife requirements separately. |
| A-Level typical | 至少 5 科 IGCSE/GCSE/GCE O-Level 與至少 3 科學術性 GCE A-Level 才具備 UC 國際申請基本資格。 | International credentials evaluated with school-specific prerequisites for engineering and business. |
| Notable programmes | - ★ 經濟學 · - ★ 心理學 · - ★ 生物學 · - ★ 政治學 · - ★ 數學 · - ★ Computer Science | — |
Strengths
University of California
- Strong QS World University Rankings position (31–100 band).
- Deep ties to US graduate training, recruiting, and industry hubs.
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
University of Southern California
- Deep ties to US graduate training, recruiting, and industry hubs.
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
Popular majors (overlap)
Where both profiles list the same popular major label (case-insensitive).
No overlapping popular-major labels in our dataset yet — open each profile for subject-level detail.
Which is right for you?
If rankings are your north star
University of California sits higher in QS 2026 (46 vs 146). That often correlates with research intensity and global name recognition — but University of Southern California can still win on programme fit, city, or cost.
If you are coming from IB / A-Levels / US high school
Compare the admission tabs on each profile: University of California vs University of Southern California can invert depending on whether you are optimising for IB typical offers, A-level expectations, or US-style testing. Use the evaluator after you narrow your list.
Related comparisons
Curated high-traffic pairs — or use the picker on /compare for any two schools.