Head-to-head comparison
University of San Diego vs Chamberlain University-California: which has better ROI?
Option A San Diego, CA
University of San Diego
- Net price / year
- $30,365
- Earnings, 10 years
- $86,522
- Payback
- 3.2 yrs
Option B Rancho Cordova, CA
Chamberlain University-California
- Net price / year
- $36,559
- Earnings, 10 years
- $92,405
- Payback
- 3.3 yrs
University of San Diego has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $121,460 in 3.2 years versus 3.3 years at Chamberlain University-California, on median earnings of $86,522 vs $92,405 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of San Diego | Chamberlain University-California |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $30,365 | $36,559 |
| Total net cost | $121,460 | $146,236 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $86,522 | $92,405 |
| Median debt | $22,940 | $20,919 |
| Payback | 3.2 yrs | 3.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $641,780 | $734,664 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, University of San Diego or Chamberlain University-California?
University of San Diego, at $30,365 a year after aid versus $36,559 — a gap of $6,194 a year, or $24,776 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 San Diego or Chamberlain University-California graduates earn more?
Chamberlain University-California graduates report a median $92,405 ten years after entry, $5,883 more than the $86,522 at University of San Diego. 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 San Diego or Chamberlain University-California?
Chamberlain University-California: its completers carry a median $20,919 in federal loans versus $22,940 at University of San Diego, a difference of $2,021. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.