University of Southern California vs Northeastern 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
University of Southern California and Northeastern University are closely matched on financial return. University of Southern California scores 91/100 while Northeastern University scores 91/100 - a gap small enough that individual circumstances (major choice, financial aid package, in-state vs out-of-state status) will likely matter more than the overall score difference.
On cost, Northeastern University comes in at $30,915 per year (net price after aid) versus $32,740 at University of Southern California - a difference of $1,825 annually, or roughly $7,300 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Northeastern University graduates earn a median of $92,538 compared to $92,498 at University of Southern California. The payback period is 4.7 years at University of Southern California versus 4.6 years at Northeastern University.
Graduates leave University of Southern California with a median $18,000 in debt versus $24,250 at Northeastern University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.29 and 0.42 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Southern Ca... | Northeastern University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $72,097 | $66,162 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $72,097 | $66,162 |
| Net Price (avg) | $32,740 | $30,915 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $130,960 | $123,660 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $61,400 | $57,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $92,498 | $92,538 |
| Graduation Rate | 91.8% | 90.5% |
| Payback Period | 4.7 yr | 4.6 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $18,000 | $24,250 |
| Monthly Payment | $191 | $257 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.29 | 0.42 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.9% | 86.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 84.9% | 83.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 9.8% | 5.2% |
| Enrollment | 20,443 | 17,326 |
| SAT Range | 1450-1550 | 1440-1540 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Southe... | Northeastern Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $13,516 | $2,264 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,394 | $2,436 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $19,539 | $5,301 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,976 | $16,241 |
| $110,001+ | $56,116 | $47,696 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Southe... | Northeastern Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $166,369 | $135,416 |
| Electrical Engineering | $131,532 | $118,150 |
| Mathematics | $69,377 | $125,084 |
| Industrial Engineering | $112,150 | $111,430 |
| Chemical Engineering | $100,646 | $107,767 |
| Civil Engineering | $106,308 | $100,613 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $104,649 | $103,384 |
| Economics | $94,435 | $101,423 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $57,246 | $90,612 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $89,203 | $74,617 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $89,022 | $87,336 |
| Chemistry | $54,966 | $88,364 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $84,866 | $74,816 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $75,864 | $80,191 |
| Journalism | $79,776 | $74,709 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Southe... | Northeastern Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 85 | 88 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 95 | 95 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 95 | 85 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 97 | 96 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 83 | 90 |
| Overall ROI Score | 91 | 91 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. University of Southern California edges out Northeastern University by 0 points (91 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
Northeastern 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.