University of Southern California vs Los Angeles City College: which has better ROI?
University of Southern California has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $130,960 in 3 years versus not at all at Los Angeles City College, on median earnings of $92,498 vs $36,190 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Southern California | Los Angeles City College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $32,740 | $10,261 |
| Total net cost | $130,960 | $20,522 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $92,498 | $36,190 |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $12,750 |
| Payback | 3 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $751,800 | -$263,922 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Southern California or Los Angeles City College?
Los Angeles City College, at $10,261 a year after aid versus $32,740 — a gap of $22,479 a year, or $110,438 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 Los Angeles City College graduates earn more?
University of Southern California graduates report a median $92,498 ten years after entry, $56,308 more than the $36,190 at Los Angeles City College. 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 Los Angeles City College?
Los Angeles City College: its completers carry a median $12,750 in federal loans versus $18,000 at University of Southern California, a difference of $5,250. 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 29% at Los Angeles City College. 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.