University of Southern California vs California State University-San Marcos: which has better ROI?
California State University-San Marcos has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $40,916 in 2.8 years versus 3 years at University of Southern California, on median earnings of $62,908 vs $92,498 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Southern California | California State University-San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $32,740 | $10,229 |
| Total net cost | $130,960 | $40,916 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $92,498 | $62,908 |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $17,350 |
| Payback | 3 yrs | 2.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $751,800 | $250,044 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Southern California or California State University-San Marcos?
California State University-San Marcos, at $10,229 a year after aid versus $32,740 — a gap of $22,511 a year, or $90,044 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 Southern California or California State University-San Marcos graduates earn more?
University of Southern California graduates report a median $92,498 ten years after entry, $29,590 more than the $62,908 at California State University-San Marcos. 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 Southern California or California State University-San Marcos?
California State University-San Marcos: its completers carry a median $17,350 in federal loans versus $18,000 at University of Southern California, a difference of $650. 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 55% at California State University-San Marcos. 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.