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Head-to-head comparison

University of California-Los Angeles vs University of Southern California: which has better ROI?

Public, Los Angeles CA · vs · Private nonprofit, Los Angeles CA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Los Angeles, CA

University of California-Los Angeles

Net price / year
$12,548
Earnings, 10 years
$82,511
Payback
1.5 yrs

Option B Los Angeles, CA

University of Southern California

Net price / year
$32,740
Earnings, 10 years
$92,498
Payback
3 yrs
The verdict

University of California-Los Angeles has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $50,192 in 1.5 years versus 3 years at University of Southern California, on median earnings of $82,511 vs $92,498 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of California-Los AngelesUniversity of Southern California
Net price / yr$12,548$32,740
Total net cost$50,192$130,960
Median earnings, 10 yrs$82,511$92,498
Median debt$14,000$18,000
Payback1.5 yrs3 yrs
20-year net return$632,828$751,800

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of California-Los Angeles or University of Southern California?

University of California-Los Angeles, at $12,548 a year after aid versus $32,740 — a gap of $20,192 a year, or $80,768 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do University of California-Los Angeles or University of Southern California graduates earn more?

University of Southern California graduates report a median $92,498 ten years after entry, $9,987 more than the $82,511 at University of California-Los Angeles. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of California-Los Angeles or University of Southern California?

University of California-Los Angeles: its completers carry a median $14,000 in federal loans versus $18,000 at University of Southern California, a difference of $4,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

93% of students finish at University of California-Los Angeles, against 92% at University of Southern California. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of California-Los Angeles vs University of Southern California: frequently asked questions

Is University of California-Los Angeles or University of Southern California a better value?
University of California-Los Angeles. It clears its $50,192 net cost in about 1.5 years versus 3 years at University of Southern California, on median earnings of $82,511 vs $92,498 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Los Angeles or University of Southern California?
University of California-Los Angeles: $12,548/yr net price after aid versus $32,740/yr at University of Southern California — a difference of $20,192 a year, or about $80,768 over four years.
Do University of California-Los Angeles or University of Southern California graduates earn more?
University of Southern California graduates earn a median $92,498 ten years after entry, versus $82,511 at University of California-Los Angeles — a $9,987 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.