Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

University of Massachusetts Global vs Vanguard University of Southern California: which has better ROI?

Public, Aliso Viejo CA · vs · Private nonprofit, Costa Mesa CA

The verdict

University of Massachusetts Global has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $130,616 in 7.5 years versus 7.6 years at Vanguard University of Southern California, on median earnings of $65,703 vs $59,541 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Share
Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Massachusetts GlobalVanguard University of Southern California
Net price / yr$32,654$21,241
Total net cost$130,616$84,964
Median earnings, 10 yrs$65,703$59,541
Median debt$24,276$22,000
Payback7.5 yrs7.6 yrs
20-year net return$216,244$138,656

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

Which is cheaper, University of Massachusetts Global or Vanguard University of Southern California?

Vanguard University of Southern California, at $21,241 a year after aid versus $32,654 — a gap of $11,413 a year, or $45,652 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 Massachusetts Global or Vanguard University of Southern California graduates earn more?

University of Massachusetts Global graduates report a median $65,703 ten years after entry, $6,162 more than the $59,541 at Vanguard University of Southern California. 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 Massachusetts Global or Vanguard University of Southern California?

Vanguard University of Southern California: its completers carry a median $22,000 in federal loans versus $24,276 at University of Massachusetts Global, a difference of $2,276. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

57% of students finish at Vanguard University of Southern California, against 43% at University of Massachusetts Global. 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 Massachusetts Global vs Vanguard University of Southern California: frequently asked questions

Is University of Massachusetts Global or Vanguard University of Southern California a better value?
University of Massachusetts Global. It clears its $130,616 net cost in about 7.5 years versus 7.6 years at Vanguard University of Southern California, on median earnings of $65,703 vs $59,541 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Massachusetts Global or Vanguard University of Southern California?
Vanguard University of Southern California: $21,241/yr net price after aid versus $32,654/yr at University of Massachusetts Global — a difference of $11,413 a year, or about $45,652 over four years.
Do University of Massachusetts Global or Vanguard University of Southern California graduates earn more?
University of Massachusetts Global graduates earn a median $65,703 ten years after entry, versus $59,541 at Vanguard University of Southern California — a $6,162 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.