North carolina vs Southern california — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Southern california is the more selective of the two (9.8% vs 15.3% acceptance). North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#35 vs #62). Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $72,097 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose North carolina for: a higher world ranking, higher retention, lower tuition.
Choose Southern california for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Southern california is more selective (9.8% vs 15.3% acceptance); Southern california has a higher median SAT (1495 vs 1439).
Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $72K); Southern california has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.8% vs 91.2%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | North carolina | Southern california |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #35 | #62 |
| Rank · THE | #70 | #72 |
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% | 9.8% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 43.3% |
| Median SAT | 1439 | 1495 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.50 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 66,535 | 82,027 |
| International students | 9% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $72K | $92K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $112K | $141K |
| Graduation rate | 91.2% | 91.8% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% | 95.6% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $18,000 |
| Tuition · year | $41,203 | $72,097 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,705 | $71,169 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.3% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,382 | $27,678 |
| Application fee | $85 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 32,680 | 46,566 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into North carolina or Southern california?
It's harder to get into Southern california. North carolina accepts 15.3% of applicants, while Southern california accepts 9.8%.
Do North carolina or Southern california graduates earn more?
Southern california graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $92K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at North carolina vs Southern california?
Sticker-price tuition is $41,203 per year at North carolina and $72,097 per year at Southern california.
What SAT score do you need for North carolina or Southern california?
The median admitted SAT score is 1439 at North carolina and 1495 at Southern california; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — North carolina or Southern california?
North carolina ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #35 for North carolina vs #62 for Southern california.
Which university offers more financial aid — North carolina or Southern california?
The average aid package is $20,705 at North carolina and $71,169 at Southern california.
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