Karia Kiritbhai Study Abroad Course Expert
Study Abroad Course Expert
The University of Southern California (USC), situated in Los Angeles, California, is a well-respected private research university that has around 49,000 students. Admission to the University of Southern California is highly selective with an approximate acceptance rate of only 10%. The university has strong programs in the following fields of study: Film, Business, Engineering, Computer science, and Law. The graduation rate of the University of Southern California is high at approximately 91%–93%, while graduates report early career salaries of approximately 68-740,000 (82,000-89,000).
The University of South Carolina (UofSC), located in Columbia, South Carolina is a large public research university with about 35,000 students. The University of South Carolina is a broadly accessible institution with an approximate acceptance rate of only 61.5%. The flagship programs at the University of South Carolina are in the following areas: International Business, Public Health, Engineering, and Hospitality Management. The graduation rate at the University of South Carolina is approximately 74-77%, and graduates average early career wages of 38-42,000 per year (46,000 to 51,000).
| University of Southern California | University of South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5.9 Out of 10 | 4.9 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 73 Times Higher Education 2026 # 146 QS World University 2026 # 54 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 401 Times Higher Education 2026 # 375 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 401 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 20 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 99 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 26 for Law by US News 2025 | # 301 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 94 for Medicine by US News 2024 # 176 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -142 PG Programs -124 Doctorate Programs -7 | UG Programs -94 PG Programs -66 |
| Acceptance Rate | 10.0 % | 61.5 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 PTE-61 TOEFL-90 | Duolingo-115 IELTS-6.5 PTE-53 SAT-1170 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 63468 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 25795 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 22428 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 32898 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 21897 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 40352 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Graduate Employability Ranking 2023: 59 QS World University Ranking :#134 Average salaries are given below:
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| application requirements | 3 to 4 years of work experience for some graduate programs; at least 2 letters of recommendation; 2 to 3-page statement of purpose | Submit official transcripts Submit letters of recommendation Submit personal statement Submit English language test scores Check program specific requirements |
| Campuses and B-Schools | Marshall Business School | NA |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.8/10 Read 37 reviews | 7.8/10 Read 4 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 49 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 72 for Business by QS World University 2025 | # 251 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 151 for Business by QS World University 2024 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 61/90TOEFL - 90/120 | Duolingo - 115/160IELTS - 7/9PTE - 68/90TOEFL - 95/120 |
| application dates | Jan 15, 2026 (Round 2 Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Apr 15, 2026 (Round 2 Application Decision Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Apr 15, 2026 (Round 3 Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Jun 1, 2026 (Round 3 Application Decision Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) | Oct 15, 2025 (Priority Round 1 Application Deadline for 2026 intake) Dec 1, 2025 (Round 2 Application Deadline for 2026 intake) Jan 15, 2026 (Round 3 Application Deadline for 2026 intake) Mar 1, 2026 (Round 4 Application Deadline for 2026 intake) Apr 15, 2026 (Round 5 Application Deadline for 2026 intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Southern California | University of South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1880 | 1801 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 9:1:1 | 18:1 |
| Male:Female | 48% Male, 52% Female | 45% Male, 55% Female |
| Location Facts | Has two campuses located in Los Angeles: University Park having Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and many professional schools; Health Science campus having Keck School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy and three teaching hospitals. | The USC system creates a statewide presence through multiple locations -- the research university in Columbia, the comprehensive universities in Aiken, Beaufort and Upstate, the Palmetto College campuses in Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter and Union, and its online campus -- providing great opportunities for students and communities. |
| Library | Over 22 campus libraries having – Total Volume: 5,919,656; Title Held: 5,007,597; Serials: 77,299; Physical Media: 172,964, Electronic Media: 122,269; Electronic Books: 1,682,067; Electronic Journals: 172,964; | University has six libaries: Thomas cooper library, law library, Ernest F. Hollings special library, Music library, Medicine library and South Carolina library. Law library is the largest in South Carolina with 500,000 volumes of collection. Medicine library has more than 116,000 collection of volumes. |
| Campus Life | Cultural Communities: Asian Pacific American Student Services, LGBT Resource Center, International Services, etc; Graduate, Undergraduate and Residential Student Governance; Volunteer Center; Trojan Marching Band; Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention Services | There are state-of-the-art academic and administrative buildings, athletic facilities, university housing, food locations, parking lots, green spaces, and pathways on USC's stunning 359-acre main campus in downtown Columbia. In addition, USC runs seven satellite campuses in various cities, including Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, Union, Aiken, Beaufort, and Upstate. The University of South Carolina campus offers a vast array of opportunities that are constantly expanding. Your time there will be used to discover hobbies, make plans for the future, and make connections with people who might end up being part of your life forever.
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| Hostel | #Housing - $14400 | #4-Bedroom Apartment - $11200 #2-Bedroom Apartment - $11600 #1-Bedroom Apartment - $13212 |
| Famous Alumni | Neil Armstrong (astronaut); George Lucas (creator of Star Wars); Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (former Prime Minister of Pakistan); John Wayne (Academy Award winner); Andrew Viterbi (co-founder of Qualcomm Inc.); Will Ferrell (actor) |
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| City Life | Los Angeles (LA) is the second most populous city of USA; Hollywood is located here; 841 Museums and art gallaries, California Beaches, Disneyland park, Los Angeles offers various concert halls, regular festivals, and bustling nightlife; Ranked 7th on Global City Index and 9th on Global Economic Power Index; Unemployment rate in December 2022 was 4%; Industries employing maximum number of people are healthcare, retail, hospitality, and manufacturing |
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University of Southern California vs University of South Carolina
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of Southern California (USC) ranks between 70-90 in the world with top programs in Film, Business, Engineering, Computer Science, and Communication. The University of South Carolina (UofSC) ranks in the world between 500-600 with strengths in International Business, Hospitality, Engineering, and Public Health. USC has more prominent international prestige, particularly in business, science, and the arts, while South Carolina has nationally ranked specialty programs such as international business.
General Information
USC, founded in 1880, is a private research institution in Los Angeles, California with approximately 49,000 total students. It is known as a very globally minded institution with a robust alumni network and connections to industry in entertainment, technology and business. The University of South Carolina has a much longer history, founded in 1801, and is a public flagship university located in Columbia, South Carolina, with approximately 36,000 students. UofSC offers students a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees to prepare them for high-demand careers.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
USC has a very selective admission policy and only accepts approximately 10% of applicants, attracting high-performing students from around the world, especially in their elite film, engineering, and business degrees. UofSC has exactly a 61.5% acceptance rate, and serves as a major natural public university with both open access and competitive honors programs. USC broadly seeks academically high performing students who demonstrate leadership and creative potential, while UofSC also seeks to balance access and high performing in specific areas of study.
Research Impact & Facilities
Both are R1 research universities. USC excels in engineering, communication, film, and health sciences, with cutting-edge facilities and global partnerships. South Carolina has notable research in public health, international business, and energy, with a strong emphasis on regional economic development. USC has broader international recognition and global research influence, while South Carolina is more impactful at the state and national levels.
Cost & Financial Aid
USC’s international tuition is about $66,000–68,000 per year, making it one of the most expensive U.S. universities, while South Carolina’s international tuition is lower, around $34,000–37,000 annually. Living costs in Los Angeles are significantly higher than in Columbia. USC offers merit scholarships and need-based aid, but competition is intense; South Carolina provides generous merit-based scholarships, especially for international business and honors students.
Career Destinations & Graduates' Success
USC graduates are highly employable worldwide, especially in entertainment, business, engineering, and tech, supported by a powerful alumni network in Los Angeles and beyond. South Carolina graduates succeed in business, public service, healthcare, and hospitality, with strong regional and national employment outcomes. USC offers broader global prestige and elite industry connections, while South Carolina provides strong career pathways in specific disciplines and value for cost-conscious students.
