Head-to-Head Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University vs University of Southern California
- Carnegie Mellon Wins
- 23
- Tied
- 12
- Southern California Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Carnegie Mellon University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $31,944 vs University of Southern California's $32,740, Carnegie Mellon University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Carnegie Mellon University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $114,862 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Carnegie Mellon
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, 24% more than University of Southern California
- Lower cost: Average net price of $31,944, roughly $796 a year less
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #20
Southern California
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Carnegie Mellon graduates concentrate in Engineering (23% of degrees); Southern California in Business & Marketing (22%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over University of Southern California. Median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment vs $92,498.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over University of Southern California. Net price $31,944 vs $32,740.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over University of Southern California. THE World Rank #20 vs #73.
Pick University of Southern California over Carnegie Mellon University. 3.9% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Carnegie Mellon University and University of Southern California split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
University of Southern California is the harder admit. It takes 10% of applicants, while Carnegie Mellon University takes 12%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,546 to 1,495.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Southern California sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Carnegie Mellon University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $31,944, about $796 a year below University of Southern California's $32,740. Graduates of University of Southern California also borrow less: median debt of $18,000, against $21,750.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $3,184 before any change in aid. Choosing Carnegie Mellon University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Carnegie Mellon University graduates report median earnings of $114,862, compared with $92,498 at University of Southern California. That is a 24% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 24% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
University of Southern California does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.9%; at Carnegie Mellon University, it is 2.2%. University of Southern California also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, University of Southern California offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Carnegie Mellon University sits higher, at #20 versus #73.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Carnegie Mellon University to keep costs and debt down; pick University of Southern California if upward mobility and access matter most.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Carnegie Mellon University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of Southern California leans toward Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Visual & Performing Arts. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,750, against $18,000 at University of Southern California.
- Business and consulting-track students: Carnegie Mellon University has less business program depth, and University of Southern California offers the stronger options.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Southern California's enrollment, and Carnegie Mellon University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Southern California's enrollment of 20,443 far exceeds Carnegie Mellon University's 7,304.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Carnegie Mellon holds onto its admits more tightly: 47% of admitted students enroll, versus 43% at Southern California — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Carnegie Mellon University is a great fit for students who are ready to dive into rigorous academic programs. This school attracts those passionate about fields like Engineering, Computer Science, and Business. The blend of technical and creative disciplines, including Visual and Performing Arts, creates a unique environment where students can thrive while exploring their varied interests.
Life after graduation at Carnegie Mellon looks promising. Graduates can expect to earn an impressive average of $114,862 within ten years of completing their degrees. This strong earning potential is crucial for students weighing their options, as it reflects the value of the education they receive here. With a graduation rate of 93%, it’s clear that students are not only getting in but are also navigating their studies successfully.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid is around $31,944, which can feel daunting but is manageable compared to potential earnings. The median debt for graduates stands at $21,750, suggesting that many students are able to graduate with a reasonable level of debt. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are dedicated, ambitious, and ready to engage deeply with their chosen fields.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit
The University of Southern California has an impressive graduation rate of 92%. This reflects the institution's strong commitment to student success and academic support. Students here are likely to find a community that encourages them to complete their degrees on time.
According to data from Opportunity Insights, while specific mobility metrics are not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are able to improve their economic prospects through education. Graduates from USC earn a median salary of $92,498 a decade after leaving, indicating a solid return on investment for their education.
The cost of attendance at USC is $32,740, with a median debt of $18,000 for those who borrow. This financial landscape makes it essential for prospective students to consider their funding options. Students who thrive at USC often have a clear focus on their career paths, particularly in fields like business, arts, and technology.
Rankings They Appear On
Carnegie Mellon University and University of Southern California appear together in 3 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Visual, Carnegie Mellon University ranks #1 — Carnegie Mellon University outranks University of Southern California by 8 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Carnegie Mellon's top program is Mechanical Engineering (23% of enrollment), while Southern California leads with Business Administration (22%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Carnegie Mellon) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern California).
The two schools feed different job markets. Carnegie Mellon University is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of Southern California concentrates in Social Sciences, Visual & Performing Arts, Communications. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Carnegie Mellon University or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California is harder to get into, admitting 10% of applicants compared with 12% at Carnegie Mellon University.
Which is more affordable, Carnegie Mellon University or University of Southern California?
Carnegie Mellon University is more affordable, with an average net price of $31,944 after aid versus $32,740 at University of Southern California.
Do Carnegie Mellon University or University of Southern California graduates earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more: median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, versus $92,498 at University of Southern California.
Which has a better graduation rate, Carnegie Mellon University or University of Southern California?
Carnegie Mellon University has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 92%.
Carnegie Mellon University vs University of Southern California: which is better for social mobility?
University of Southern California is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.9% versus 2.2%.
Should you choose Carnegie Mellon University or University of Southern California?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Carnegie Mellon University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Southern California if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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