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

Private nonprofit, Los Angeles CA · vs · Public, Merced 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-Merced, on median earnings of $92,498 vs $64,368 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of California-Merced
Net price / yr$32,740$11,983
Total net cost$130,960$47,932
Median earnings, 10 yrs$92,498$64,368
Median debt$18,000$16,144
Payback3 yrs3 yrs
20-year net return$751,800$272,228

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

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

University of California-Merced, at $11,983 a year after aid versus $32,740 — a gap of $20,757 a year, or $83,028 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 University of California-Merced graduates earn more?

University of Southern California graduates report a median $92,498 ten years after entry, $28,130 more than the $64,368 at University of California-Merced. 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 University of California-Merced?

University of California-Merced: its completers carry a median $16,144 in federal loans versus $18,000 at University of Southern California, a difference of $1,856. 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 69% at University of California-Merced. 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 Southern California vs University of California-Merced: frequently asked questions

Is University of Southern California or University of California-Merced 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-Merced, on median earnings of $92,498 vs $64,368 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Southern California or University of California-Merced?
University of California-Merced: $11,983/yr net price after aid versus $32,740/yr at University of Southern California — a difference of $20,757 a year, or about $83,028 over four years.
Do University of Southern California or University of California-Merced graduates earn more?
University of Southern California graduates earn a median $92,498 ten years after entry, versus $64,368 at University of California-Merced — a $28,130 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.