USC vs UCLA Acceptance Rate 2026: Which University Is Harder to Get Into?

For decades, UCLA and USC have been at the center of one of the most enduring academic rivalries in the U.S. — not just on the football field, but in the world of college admissions.
Both schools are in Los Angeles. Both are globally ranked. And both attract the same pool of high-achieving students from across the world.

But as competition tightens and acceptance rates drop into single digits, applicants are asking one question louder than ever:
👉 Which university is actually harder to get into — USC or UCLA?

Let’s break it down using data, context, and what those numbers really mean for 2025 applicants.

🏛️ Understanding Each University’s Admissions Philosophy

UCLA: The Public Ivy with Record-Breaking Demand

UCLA — a cornerstone of the University of California system — consistently ranks among the world’s top public universities.
Its reputation for academic excellence, research, and diversity draws hundreds of thousands of applicants every year.

Why UCLA is so selective:

  • Massive application volume: UCLA receives more applications than any university in the U.S. — surpassing even Ivy League totals.

  • Holistic review: The UC system uses a 13-factor review process assessing grades, extracurriculars, essays, and leadership.

  • In-state competition: California residents form the majority of applicants, making in-state admission fiercely competitive.

  • Limited seats for non-residents: Out-of-state and international students face even longer odds since only a small percentage of spots are reserved for them.

USC: Private Excellence with a Global Reach

The University of Southern California represents private prestige, entrepreneurial culture, and interdisciplinary strength.
It competes not only with UCLA but also with elite private institutions like Stanford, Columbia, and NYU.

Why USC is so competitive:

  • Diverse applicant pool: Nearly half of USC’s applicants come from outside California, creating intense national and international competition.

  • Program-based selectivity: Acceptance rates vary drastically by department — with top schools like Cinematic Arts, Architecture, and Business admitting less than 5%.

  • Holistic and portfolio review: Academic strength is essential, but essays, interviews, and creative portfolios carry equal weight in many programs.

  • Scholarship impact: USC’s generous merit scholarships attract tens of thousands of applications from top-tier students worldwide.

🎬 Fun fact: The USC School of Cinematic Arts is often considered harder to get into than Harvard Law — with admit rates hovering around 3%.

Acceptance Rate Breakdown by Major

Acceptance rate alone doesn’t reveal where competition peaks.
Let’s look at how selectivity differs by field of study:

Trend insight: In 2014, UCLA’s admit rate was around 18%. A decade later, it’s fallen below 9%, effectively halving in ten years — a signal of rising global demand and limited capacity.

  • UCLA is more selective overall due to application volume.

  • USC’s program-specific admissions (especially Cinematic Arts, Architecture, and Business) make it equally or even more difficult to get in for certain majors.

International & Out-of-State Admissions

Both universities attract a strong international presence — but policies differ.

UCLA

  • Only 18–20% of admitted students come from outside California.

  • Out-of-state and international applicants face higher GPA thresholds.

  • International acceptance rate: ≈ 6% (lower due to quota restrictions).

  • TOEFL/IELTS required for non-native English speakers.

USC

  • Around 22–25% of USC undergraduates are international.

  • No in-state preference — everyone competes equally.

  • Acceptance rate for international students: ≈ 9%, close to the overall average.

🔎 Conclusion:
UCLA is harder for international students; USC is more open globally.

Academic Profile of Admitted Students (2026)

Both universities attract students from the top percentile nationwide, but UCLA’s large applicant pool and emphasis on grades make academic performance slightly more decisive.
USC, meanwhile, balances GPA with creativity, leadership, and holistic achievement.

Selectivity Beyond Numbers: How Each School Decides

UCLA Selection Criteria

UCLA uses a contextual review:

  • Academic performance in context of school environment.

  • Leadership, resilience, and impact.

  • Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) replacing traditional essays.

  • No consideration of standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) under UC policy.

USC Selection Criteria

USC applies a personalized review process:

  • Academic rigor and GPA.

  • Creative portfolio (for programs like Cinematic Arts, Architecture, or Design).

  • Personal essays and short answers.

  • Interviews for select scholarship finalists.

  • Consideration of standardized tests (optional but recommended).

💬 Interpretation:
UCLA leans on academic excellence and context; USC emphasizes individual narrative and program fit.

Public vs. Private: How That Affects Acceptance

Public (UCLA)

  • Funded by the State of California.

  • Must prioritize in-state applicants.

  • Faces limits on non-resident admissions.

  • Lower tuition, higher volume.

Private (USC)

  • Privately funded, tuition-driven model.

  • Can admit more diverse and international applicants.

  • Invests heavily in marketing, recruitment, and merit aid.

  • Selectivity can vary by strategic goals, not state policy.

🎯 Result: UCLA’s selectivity reflects scale and policy; USC’s reflects intentional curation.

Acceptance Rate Trends: The Bigger Picture

Trend: Both universities have nearly halved their admit rates in a decade.
This decline reflects:

  • Growth in applications (spurred by test-optional policies).

  • Global visibility of California universities.

  • Rising demand for STEM, creative arts, and tech-linked majors.

Which University Is Harder to Get Into (Really)?

While UCLA has a marginally lower acceptance rate, difficulty depends on your background and goals.

CategoryHarder At…WhyOverall Acceptance RateUCLALarger applicant pool, fewer seats per applicant.Creative / Portfolio MajorsUSCCinematic Arts, Architecture, and Music have ultra-low acceptance.STEM MajorsUCLAEngineering and Data Science capped programs.International StudentsUCLAStricter quotas and state limits.Scholarship CompetitivenessUSCLarge applicant pool for limited merit awards.

📌 Final verdict:

  • UCLA = harder for academic-driven applicants.

  • USC = harder for creative or professional-track applicants.
    Both are elite-tier; neither is “easy” by any measure.

Expert Perspective

“Acceptance rate is just one metric. What matters more is fit — your story, your goals, and how well your application communicates who you are.
Both UCLA and USC are looking for impact, not perfection.”
— College admissions consultant, IvyWise 2025

Tips for Applicants (2026 Cycle and Beyond)

  1. Craft a cohesive story.
    Whether you’re applying to UCLA’s engineering program or USC’s Cinematic Arts, your narrative should align with your intended field.

  2. Show academic consistency.
    Both schools expect top performance across four years, not last-minute spikes.

  3. Leverage extracurriculars strategically.
    Leadership, creativity, or research projects can differentiate you from high-GPA peers.

  4. Write human essays.
    Avoid clichés. Use genuine reflection — both UC PIQs and USC essays value depth and authenticity.

  5. Track departmental selectivity.
    Not all majors are equal. Aim for realistic but competitive programs aligned with your strengths.

Final Thoughts

The USC vs UCLA acceptance rate debate isn’t about who’s “better” — it’s about understanding two different paths to excellence.

  • UCLA represents the public mission: accessibility, research, and academic rigor at scale.

  • USC reflects the private ethos: innovation, interdisciplinarity, and global networks.

Both institutions are among the most selective in the U.S., and both produce leaders in technology, film, business, and public service.

If you’re applying to either — or both — focus less on the percentage and more on the alignment between your story and their mission.
That’s what turns a 9% admit rate into your success story.

Frequently Asked Questions: USC vs UCLA Acceptance Rate

1. Is UCLA harder to get into than USC?

Yes — statistically, UCLA is slightly harder to get into with an acceptance rate of ≈ 8.97%, compared to USC’s 9.81%. However, the difficulty also depends on your intended major. Programs like USC Cinematic Arts or UCLA Engineering are both among the most selective in the nation.

2. What is the acceptance rate for UCLA in 2026?

For Fall 2025, UCLA’s acceptance rate is approximately 8.97%, based on a record-breaking 145,000 applications and a first-year class of around 13,000 admits. This places UCLA among the top 5 most selective public universities in the U.S.

3. What is the acceptance rate for USC in 2026?

The University of Southern California (USC) admitted about 9.81% of applicants for Fall 2026. The university received roughly 80,000 applications, making it one of the most competitive private institutions on the West Coast.

4. Why is UCLA’s acceptance rate lower than USC’s?

UCLA’s rate is lower primarily because it receives nearly twice as many applications as USC, while maintaining a similar class size. Being a public university, UCLA also prioritizes California residents, limiting seats for out-of-state and international applicants.

5. Which university is better — USC or UCLA?

Both are elite institutions, but they differ in mission and culture:

  • UCLA: Public, research-intensive, diverse, global reputation.

  • USC: Private, entrepreneurial, strong alumni network, interdisciplinary programs.
    The “better” choice depends on your career goals and preferred environment.

6. What GPA do I need to get into UCLA or USC?

  • UCLA: The middle 50% of admitted students have a weighted GPA of 4.3–4.6.

  • USC: The average admitted GPA is around 4.2 (weighted).
    Strong grades in challenging courses are essential for both.

7. Do UCLA and USC require SAT or ACT scores?

  • UCLA: Test-blind — the UC system does not consider SAT/ACT scores at all.

  • USC: Test-optional — scores are not required but can strengthen your application if they align with your academic profile.

8. Which is better for international students — UCLA or USC?

USC is generally more international-friendly, admitting about 22–25% international students annually.
UCLA admits fewer international applicants due to state-funded enrollment priorities, but remains a top destination for global scholars.

9. What majors are hardest to get into at each school?

  • UCLA: Engineering, Business Economics, and Life Sciences.

  • USC: Cinematic Arts, Architecture, and Business (Marshall School).
    Some of these programs have acceptance rates below 5%, making them more selective than Ivy League equivalents.

10. Is UCLA or USC cheaper to attend?

  • UCLA (In-State): Around $15,000/year tuition.

  • UCLA (Out-of-State): Around $48,000/year.

  • USC: Around $66,000/year, but offers significant merit and need-based aid that can lower total costs for qualified students.

11. How can I improve my chances of getting into UCLA or USC?

  • Maintain top academic performance (A/A+ average).

  • Write compelling, authentic essays or personal statements.

  • Demonstrate leadership, community impact, or creative excellence.

  • Apply early if possible (for USC), and highlight what makes your story unique.

12. Are USC and UCLA rivals?

Yes — the two universities share one of the most famous rivalries in U.S. higher education.
Their competition extends from sports (notably the annual football game) to academics, innovation, and global recognition. Both schools are powerhouses in their respective domains.

13. Which school has a stronger alumni network?

USC is known for its tight-knit, globally influential alumni base, particularly in entertainment, business, and technology.
UCLA has one of the largest alumni communities in the world, excelling in academia, public policy, and research leadership.

14. Which university is better for pre-med or engineering?

  • Pre-Med: UCLA’s Life Sciences and David Geffen School of Medicine affiliation make it a top pre-med choice.

  • Engineering: UCLA’s Samueli School of Engineering and USC’s Viterbi School both rank in the nation’s top 15.
    Both offer strong research opportunities and industry pipelines.