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University of California-Riverside vs University of Southern California: which has better ROI?

Public, Riverside CA · vs · Private nonprofit, Los Angeles CA

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

The verdict

University of Southern California has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $130,960 in 3 years versus 3 years at University of California-Riverside, on median earnings of $92,498 vs $67,699 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of California-RiversideUniversity of Southern California
Net price / yr$14,304$32,740
Total net cost$57,216$130,960
Median earnings, 10 yrs$67,699$92,498
Median debt$17,500$18,000
Payback3 yrs3 yrs
20-year net return$329,564$751,800

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

Which is cheaper, University of California-Riverside or University of Southern California?

University of California-Riverside, at $14,304 a year after aid versus $32,740 — a gap of $18,436 a year, or $73,744 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of California-Riverside or University of Southern California graduates earn more?

University of Southern California graduates report a median $92,498 ten years after entry, $24,799 more than the $67,699 at University of California-Riverside. 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, University of California-Riverside or University of Southern California?

University of California-Riverside: its completers carry a median $17,500 in federal loans versus $18,000 at University of Southern California, a difference of $500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

92% of students finish at University of Southern California, against 76% at University of California-Riverside. 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.

University of California-Riverside vs University of Southern California: frequently asked questions

Is University of California-Riverside or University of Southern California a better value?
University of Southern California. It clears its $130,960 net cost in about 3 years versus 3 years at University of California-Riverside, on median earnings of $92,498 vs $67,699 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Riverside or University of Southern California?
University of California-Riverside: $14,304/yr net price after aid versus $32,740/yr at University of Southern California — a difference of $18,436 a year, or about $73,744 over four years.
Do University of California-Riverside or University of Southern California graduates earn more?
University of Southern California graduates earn a median $92,498 ten years after entry, versus $67,699 at University of California-Riverside — a $24,799 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.