University of Southern California vs Art Center College of Design
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Southern California comes out ahead: 91/100 to 56/100, a 35-point edge over Art Center College of Design. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Southern California runs $32,740 a year against $48,661 at Art Center College of Design - $15,921 more a year, or about $63,684 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Southern California graduates earn a median $92,498 against $71,958 at Art Center College of Design. The cost earns itself back in 4.7 years at University of Southern California and 9.1 years at Art Center College of Design.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Southern California owing a median $18,000 versus $31,000 at Art Center College of Design. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.29 and 0.64 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Southern Ca... | Art Center College of Des... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $72,097 | $54,170 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $72,097 | $54,170 |
| Net Price (avg) | $32,740 | $48,661 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $130,960 | $194,644 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $61,400 | $48,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $92,498 | $71,958 |
| Graduation Rate | 91.8% | 79.2% |
| Payback Period | 4.7 yr | 9.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $18,000 | $31,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $191 | $329 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.29 | 0.64 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.9% | 74.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 84.9% | 75.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 9.8% | 74.5% |
| Enrollment | 20,443 | 2,017 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Southe... | Art Center College o... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $13,516 | $39,645 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,394 | $42,161 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $19,539 | $44,738 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,976 | $45,677 |
| $110,001+ | $56,116 | $61,144 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Southe... | Art Center College o... |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering-Related Fields | $96,120 | $92,293 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $89,022 | $76,093 |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | $78,741 | $77,401 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $72,428 | $33,073 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $58,623 | $49,933 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Southe... | Art Center College o... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 85 | 39 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 95 | 68 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 95 | 43 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 97 | 89 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 83 | 52 |
| Overall ROI Score | 91 | 56 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Southern California clearly outperforms Art Center College of Design (91 vs 56), a 35-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Art Center College of Design brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of Southern California.
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University of Southern California
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Art Center College of Design
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.