Degree Dividend
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University of San Diego vs Gnomon: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, San Diego CA · vs · Private for-profit, North Hollywood CA

The verdict

Gnomon has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $207,796 in 3.1 years versus 3.2 years at University of San Diego, on median earnings of $114,785 vs $86,522 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of San DiegoGnomon
Net price / yr$30,365$51,949
Total net cost$121,460$207,796
Median earnings, 10 yrs$86,522$114,785
Median debt$22,940$28,332
Payback3.2 yrs3.1 yrs
20-year net return$641,780$1,120,704

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

Which is cheaper, University of San Diego or Gnomon?

University of San Diego, at $30,365 a year after aid versus $51,949 — a gap of $21,584 a year, or $86,336 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 San Diego or Gnomon graduates earn more?

Gnomon graduates report a median $114,785 ten years after entry, $28,263 more than the $86,522 at University of San Diego. 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 San Diego or Gnomon?

University of San Diego: its completers carry a median $22,940 in federal loans versus $28,332 at Gnomon, a difference of $5,392. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

100% of students finish at Gnomon, against 84% at University of San Diego. 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 San Diego vs Gnomon: frequently asked questions

Is University of San Diego or Gnomon a better value?
Gnomon. It clears its $207,796 net cost in about 3.1 years versus 3.2 years at University of San Diego, on median earnings of $114,785 vs $86,522 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of San Diego or Gnomon?
University of San Diego: $30,365/yr net price after aid versus $51,949/yr at Gnomon — a difference of $21,584 a year, or about $86,336 over four years.
Do University of San Diego or Gnomon graduates earn more?
Gnomon graduates earn a median $114,785 ten years after entry, versus $86,522 at University of San Diego — a $28,263 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.