University of Southern California vs Cornell University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Cornell University holds a 5-point ROI advantage over University of Southern California, scoring 96/100 versus 91/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Cornell University comes in at $28,690 per year (net price after aid) versus $32,740 at University of Southern California - a difference of $4,050 annually, or roughly $16,200 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Cornell University graduates earn a median of $104,043 compared to $92,498 at University of Southern California. The payback period is 4.7 years at University of Southern California versus 3.7 years at Cornell University.
Graduates leave Cornell University with a median $14,000 in debt versus $18,000 at University of Southern California. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.29 and 0.18 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Southern Ca... | Cornell University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $72,097 | $69,314 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $72,097 | $69,314 |
| Net Price (avg) | $32,740 | $28,690 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $130,960 | $114,760 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $61,400 | $76,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $92,498 | $104,043 |
| Graduation Rate | 91.8% | 95.4% |
| Payback Period | 4.7 yr | 3.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $18,000 | $14,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $191 | $148 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.29 | 0.18 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.9% | 90.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 84.9% | 88.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 9.8% | 8.8% |
| Enrollment | 20,443 | 15,995 |
| SAT Range | 1450-1550 | 1500-1570 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Southe... | Cornell University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $13,516 | $1,776 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,394 | $4,070 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $19,539 | $6,796 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,976 | $14,311 |
| $110,001+ | $56,116 | $49,992 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Southe... | Cornell University |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $192,897 | $223,309 |
| Electrical Engineering | $131,532 | $147,241 |
| Economics | $94,435 | $137,935 |
| Mathematics | $69,377 | $134,455 |
| Public Policy Analysis | $74,511 | $126,767 |
| Chemical Engineering | $100,646 | $116,165 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $104,649 | $112,212 |
| Civil Engineering | $106,308 | $91,242 |
| City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning | $106,094 | $37,131 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $105,415 | $61,397 |
| International Relations | $75,090 | $95,391 |
| Public Health | $89,522 | $44,516 |
| Romance Languages | $59,088 | $89,275 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $75,864 | $88,463 |
| History | $79,940 | $82,031 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Southe... | Cornell University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 85 | 93 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 95 | 98 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 95 | 98 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 97 | 99 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 83 | 96 |
| Overall ROI Score | 91 | 96 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. Cornell University edges out University of Southern California by 5 points (96 vs 91), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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University of Southern California
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Cornell University
Exceptional 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.