| CU Boulder vs. USC |
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
#163 in National Universities #100 in World University Rankings #5 in Colorado Colleges | Rankings* | #20 in National Universities #66 in World University Rankings #7 in California Colleges |
| Public, four-years Research University (very high research activity) | School Type | Private (not-for-profit), four-years Research University (very high research activity) |
| Offered Degrees | ||
| Bachelor's Master's Doctorate (Research) Doctorate (Professional Practice) | Offered Degree | Bachelor's Post-BS Certificate Master's Post-MS Certificate Doctorate (Research) Doctorate (Professional Practice) Doctorate (Other) |
| 2025 Tuition & Fees | ||
| cheaper$15,214 Colorado Residents $42,970 Out-of-State | Undergraduate Tuition | expensive$71,647 |
| cheaper$16,634 Colorado Residents $38,802 Out-of-State | Graduate Tuition | expensive$71,515 |
| Less$11,665 | Average Financial Aid Amount | More$44,920 |
| Admission | ||
| Lower1,340 SAT 31 ACT | Test Scores | Higher1,500 SAT 33 ACT |
| Easier78.08% | Acceptance Rate | Tighter9.81% |
| Lower14.15% | Yield (Enrollment Rate) | Favorable43.34% |
| High School GPA High School Rank High School Record Completion of College Preparatory Program Recommendations Admission Test Scores English Proficiency Test Work experience Personal statement or essay | Application Requirements (Required or Considered) | High School GPA High School Rank High School Record Completion of College Preparatory Program Recommendations Formal Demonstration of Competencies Admission Test Scores English Proficiency Test Work experience Personal statement or essay Legacy status |
| Dual Credits Advanced placement (AP) Credits Credits for Life Experiences Credit for Military Training | Accepted Credits | Advanced placement (AP) Credits Credit for Military Training |
| Enrollment | ||
| Smaller38,799 | Total Enrollment | Larger46,566 |
| Larger32,244 | Undergraduate Student Population | Smaller20,630 |
| Smaller6,555 | Graduate Student Population | Larger25,936 |
| Smaller797 | Online Student Population | Larger6,077 |
| Completion & Outcomes | ||
| Lower74% | Graduate Rate | Higher92% |
| 16% | Transfer-out Rate | - |
| Lower90% | Retention Rate | Higher96% |
| Special Learning Opportunity | ||
| ROTC Study Abroad Teacher Certificate | Special learning Opportunity | ROTC Study Abroad |
| ✔ (Dormitory Capacity: 7,500) | Campus Housing | ✔ (Dormitory Capacity: 8,500) |
| ✔ | Board/Meal Plan | ✔ (Typical Annual Charge: $6,930) |
| Faculty | ||
| More Students per Faculty19 to 1 | Student to Faculty Ratio | Less Students per Faculty9 to 1 |
| 2,580 | Number of faculty | 3,985 |
| Lower$119,920 | Average Faculty Salary | Higher$163,106 |
*Ranking data is from College Evaluator.