University of Southern California vs Cornell 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, Cornell University comes out ahead: 96/100 to 91/100, a 5-point edge over University of Southern California. 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, Cornell University runs $28,690 a year against $32,740 at University of Southern California - $4,050 more a year, or about $16,200 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Cornell University graduates earn a median $104,043 against $92,498 at University of Southern California. The cost earns itself back in 4.7 years at University of Southern California and 3.7 years at Cornell University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Cornell University owing a median $14,000 versus $18,000 at University of Southern California. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.29 and 0.18 - 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... | 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
It's close. Cornell University edges out University of Southern California by 5 points (96 vs 91), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
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.