Southern california vs Houston — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Southern california is the more selective of the two (9.8% vs 73.9% acceptance). Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#62 vs #201-300). Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 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 Southern california for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Houston for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Southern california is more selective (9.8% vs 73.9% acceptance); Southern california has a higher median SAT (1495 vs 1250).
Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $62K); Southern california has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.8% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Southern california | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #62 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #72 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 43.3% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1495 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 82,027 | 31,716 |
| International students | 27% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 91.8% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 95.6% | 87% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $72,097 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $71,169 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 99.3% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,678 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 46,566 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Southern california or Houston?
It's harder to get into Southern california. Southern california accepts 9.8% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do Southern california or Houston graduates earn more?
Southern california graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $92K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Southern california vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $72,097 per year at Southern california and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Southern california or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1495 at Southern california and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Southern california or Houston?
Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #62 for Southern california vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid — Southern california or Houston?
The average aid package is $71,169 at Southern california and $16,450 at Houston.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern