HEAD-TO-HEAD INSTITUTIONAL DOSSIER · 2026/2027 INDEX

University of Southern California vs California State University, Los Angeles

University of Southern California Logo
University of Southern California

Los Angeles, United States

QS World: #1539% Admit
California State University, Los Angeles Logo
California State University, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, United States

QS World: Regional/Specialist45% Admit
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Comprehensive comparison between University of Southern California and California State University, Los Angeles. Both institutions offer world-class undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

University of Southern California boasts strong global prestige and leading academic research. California State University, Los Angeles excels in international collaboration and student outcomes.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose University of Southern California for classical academic standing, and California State University, Los Angeles for industry-focused modern career tracks.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally5 — 3 Advantage
Comparative DimensionUniversity of Southern CaliforniaCalifornia State University, Los Angeles
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#153 (2027)
#>1k (2025)+152 places
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#71 (2027)Lead
Unranked
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#68 (2026)Lead
Unranked
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#74 (2027)+939 places
#1013 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
9%More selective
45%
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
$69,904
$19,000Lower tuition
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1880Lead
1947
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
48,000
28,000
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
75 / 100
78 / 100Lead
SECTION 02 · DECADE TRAJECTORY COMPARISON

10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory

Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).

SECTION 03 · DEPARTMENTAL BENCHMARKS

QS Subject Rankings Showdown

Click any discipline row to inspect side-by-side degree programs, tuition, and scholarships below.

Southern California · Specialist Subject Standings

Communication and Media Studies#8
Music#26
Anatomy and Physiology#28
SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Los Angeles vs Los Angeles alongside annual international tuition.

Major Urban Hub

Southern California (Los Angeles)

$2,780/mo
Housing & Utilities$2,100/mo
Food & Groceries$550/mo
Local Transit & Personal$130/mo
Est. International Tuition$69,904/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$103,264/yr
Major Urban Hub

California State University, (Los Angeles)

$2,780/mo
Housing & Utilities$2,100/mo
Food & Groceries$550/mo
Local Transit & Personal$130/mo
Est. International Tuition$19,000/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$52,360/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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