Head-to-Head Comparison
New York University vs University of Southern California
- New York Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 12
- Southern California Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Southern California offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $32,740 vs New York University's $37,050, University of Southern California delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Southern California's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
New York
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #60
Southern California
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment, 12% more than New York University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $32,740, roughly $4,310 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 92% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- 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?
New York graduates concentrate in Visual & Performing Arts (16% 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 University of Southern California over New York University. Median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment vs $82,509.
Pick University of Southern California over New York University. Net price $32,740 vs $37,050.
Pick New York University over University of Southern California. THE World Rank #60 vs #73.
Pick University of Southern California over New York University. 3.9% mobility rate vs 3.6%.
Pick University of Southern California over New York University. 92% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
New York University and University of Southern California are close on paper, but University of Southern California wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
New York University is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while University of Southern California takes 10%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 to 1,495.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, New York University 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, University of Southern California comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $32,740, about $4,310 a year below New York University's $37,050. Graduates of University of Southern California also borrow less: median debt of $18,000, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $17,240 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Southern California leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Southern California graduates report median earnings of $92,498, compared with $82,509 at New York University. That is a 12% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Southern California has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 12% 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.
Finishing the degree
University of Southern California graduates a larger share of its students, 92% versus 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
University of Southern California does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.9%; at New York University, it is 3.6%. University of Southern California also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 6.9%.
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, New York University sits higher, at #60 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 University of Southern California to keep costs and debt down.
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
New York University is harder to get into, with a 9% admit rate, but University of Southern California posts the higher mobility rate, at 3.9%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. New York University ranks higher globally (#60 vs #73), but University of Southern California alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $37,050 runs well above University of Southern California's $32,740.
- Business and consulting-track students: New York University has less business program depth, and University of Southern California offers the stronger options.
No strong negative signals — Southern California competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New York holds onto its admits more tightly: 55% of admitted students enroll, versus 40% at Southern California — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. New York offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Southern California does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 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
New York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, New York University attracts driven students who are ready to dive deep into their passions. This urban campus is ideal for those interested in fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Humanities. It’s a place where creativity meets practicality, and students can thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $82,509 ten years after completing their degree. That’s a significant number, especially when you consider the potential for upward mobility in competitive fields. The financial investment in an NYU education often pays off, making it a compelling choice for those who are eager to make their mark.
When it comes to the cost, the net price after aid sits at $37,050, with a median debt of $20,500. This means many students graduate with manageable debt, especially considering their earnings potential. NYU tends to attract motivated individuals who are ready to engage with the world around them and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available in New York City.
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
University of Southern California is featured on the Best Online Colleges in California ranking.
Top Degree Programs
New York's top program is Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16% 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 New York) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern California).
The two schools feed different job markets. New York University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while University of Southern California concentrates in 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 New York University or University of Southern California?
New York University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 10% at University of Southern California.
Which is more affordable, New York University or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California is more affordable, with an average net price of $32,740 after aid versus $37,050 at New York University.
Do New York University or University of Southern California graduates earn more?
University of Southern California graduates earn more: median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,509 at New York University.
Which has a better graduation rate, New York University or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 88%.
New York 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 3.6%.
Should you choose New York University or University of Southern California?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Southern California if affordability and lower debt come first; choose New York University if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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