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Southern California Institute of Technology vs University of Silicon Valley: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, Anaheim CA · vs · Private for-profit, San Jose CA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Southern California Institute of Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $133,568 in 25.5 years versus 41.9 years at University of Silicon Valley, on median earnings of $53,598 vs $51,017 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouthern California Institute of TechnologyUniversity of Silicon Valley
Net price / yr$33,392$27,815
Total net cost$133,568$111,260
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,598$51,017
Median debt$10,798$31,000
Payback25.5 yrs41.9 yrs
20-year net return-$28,808-$58,120

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Southern California Institute of Technology or University of Silicon Valley?

University of Silicon Valley, at $27,815 a year after aid versus $33,392 — a gap of $5,577 a year, or $22,308 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Southern California Institute of Technology or University of Silicon Valley graduates earn more?

Southern California Institute of Technology graduates report a median $53,598 ten years after entry, $2,581 more than the $51,017 at University of Silicon Valley. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Southern California Institute of Technology or University of Silicon Valley?

Southern California Institute of Technology: its completers carry a median $10,798 in federal loans versus $31,000 at University of Silicon Valley, a difference of $20,202. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

74% of students finish at Southern California Institute of Technology, against 29% at University of Silicon Valley. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Southern California Institute of Technology vs University of Silicon Valley: frequently asked questions

Is Southern California Institute of Technology or University of Silicon Valley a better value?
Southern California Institute of Technology. It clears its $133,568 net cost in about 25.5 years versus 41.9 years at University of Silicon Valley, on median earnings of $53,598 vs $51,017 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Southern California Institute of Technology or University of Silicon Valley?
University of Silicon Valley: $27,815/yr net price after aid versus $33,392/yr at Southern California Institute of Technology — a difference of $5,577 a year, or about $22,308 over four years.
Do Southern California Institute of Technology or University of Silicon Valley graduates earn more?
Southern California Institute of Technology graduates earn a median $53,598 ten years after entry, versus $51,017 at University of Silicon Valley — a $2,581 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.