University of California-Los Angeles vs University of Southern California
University of Southern California reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($92,498 vs $82,511). University of California-Los Angeles recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.1 yrs vs 2.4 yrs).
| Measure | University of California-Los AngelesCA | University of Southern CaliforniaCA |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $82,511 | $92,498 |
| Years to recoup four-year net cost | 1.1 yrs | 2.4 yrs |
| Average net price per year | $12,548 | $32,740 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year | $38,614 | $90,300 |
| Share earning above a high-school grad | 71.7% | 79.8% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 92.6% | 91.8% |
| First-year retention (full-time) | 97.3% | 95.9% |
| Admission rate | 9% | 9.8% |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $14,000 | $18,000 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 33,475 | 20,443 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI) | – | 3.4 |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is University of California-Los Angeles or University of Southern California a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, University of California-Los Angeles recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.1 yrs vs 2.4 yrs).. Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals; use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, University of California-Los Angeles or University of Southern California?
University of California-Los Angeles's average net price is $12,548 per year and University of Southern California's is $32,740 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.