University of Southern California vs Azusa Pacific University
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 71/100, a 20-point edge over Azusa Pacific University. 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, Azusa Pacific University runs $22,212 a year against $32,740 at University of Southern California - $10,528 more a year, or about $42,112 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Southern California graduates earn a median $92,498 against $66,677 at Azusa Pacific University. The cost earns itself back in 4.7 years at University of Southern California and 7.2 years at Azusa Pacific University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Southern California owing a median $18,000 versus $23,219 at Azusa Pacific University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.29 and 0.48 - 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... | Azusa Pacific University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $72,097 | $44,458 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $72,097 | $44,458 |
| Net Price (avg) | $32,740 | $22,212 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $130,960 | $88,848 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $61,400 | $48,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $92,498 | $66,677 |
| Graduation Rate | 91.8% | 61.8% |
| Payback Period | 4.7 yr | 7.2 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $18,000 | $23,219 |
| Monthly Payment | $191 | $246 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.29 | 0.48 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.9% | 65.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 84.9% | 72.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 9.8% | 88.4% |
| Enrollment | 20,443 | 2,759 |
| SAT Range | 1450-1550 | 983-1238 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Southe... | Azusa Pacific Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $13,516 | $15,781 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,394 | $20,495 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $19,539 | $22,998 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,976 | N/A |
| $110,001+ | $56,116 | $27,193 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Southe... | Azusa Pacific Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $109,128 | $78,900 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $75,864 | $31,366 |
| Sociology | $70,555 | $29,683 |
| Psychology | $70,461 | $63,963 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $58,462 | $56,994 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Southe... | Azusa Pacific Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 85 | 76 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 95 | 81 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 95 | 77 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 97 | 63 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 83 | 28 |
| Overall ROI Score | 91 | 71 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Southern California clearly outperforms Azusa Pacific University (91 vs 71), a 20-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Azusa Pacific University 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
Azusa Pacific University
Fair 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.