Head-to-Head Comparison
Southern New Hampshire University vs University of Southern California
- Southern New Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 18
- Southern California Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Southern California offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $32,740 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, 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
Southern New
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Southern California
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment, 84% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $32,740, roughly $3,968 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
- More selective: Admits 10% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Southern New graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (35% 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 Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick University of Southern California over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $32,740 vs $36,708.
Pick University of Southern California over Southern New Hampshire University. 3.9% mobility rate vs 1.4%.
Pick University of Southern California over Southern New Hampshire University. 92% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Southern New Hampshire University and University of Southern California are close on paper, but University of Southern California wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Southern California is the harder admit. It takes 10% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
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, University of Southern California comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $32,740, about $3,968 a year below Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. Graduates of University of Southern California also borrow less: median debt of $18,000, against $21,082.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $15,872 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 $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 84% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Southern California has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 84% 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 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 48% 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 Southern New Hampshire University, it is 1.4%. University of Southern California also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.6%.
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.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Southern New Hampshire University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Psychology, while University of Southern California leans toward Social Sciences, Visual & Performing Arts. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,708 runs well above University of Southern California's $32,740.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,082, against $18,000 at University of Southern California.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds University of Southern California's 20,443.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Southern California's enrollment, and Southern New Hampshire University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Southern California offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Southern New 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
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of over 163,000 students, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a place where a diverse range of learners can thrive, particularly those pursuing degrees in Business & Marketing, Psychology, Computer Science & IT, Humanities, and Health Professions. The school's 100% acceptance rate opens the door for many, creating an inclusive atmosphere. This setup is ideal for students looking for flexibility in their education, whether they’re fresh out of high school or returning to school after some time away.
After graduation, students at SNHU can expect to earn around $50,318 within a decade, which is a decent starting point for many. This aligns well with the school's focus on practical, career-oriented programs. While the graduation rate sits at 44%, those who complete their degrees are often better positioned for upward mobility in the job market, especially in fields like business and technology. The affordability factor plays a role here, too, as nearly half of the students receive Pell Grants, which can make a significant difference in financing education.
When it comes to the cost of attending SNHU, the net price is approximately $36,708 after financial aid, which can seem daunting at first glance. However, the median debt upon graduation is $21,082, a figure that many find manageable in the context of their potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those looking for a supportive environment and a clear path to career opportunities, making it a solid choice for individuals ready to invest in their future.
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
Southern New Hampshire University is featured on the Largest Colleges in America ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 35% of Southern New's student body and 22% of Southern California's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern New) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern California).
The two schools feed different job markets. Southern New Hampshire University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Psychology, Humanities, 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 Southern New Hampshire University or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California is harder to get into, admitting 10% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Southern New Hampshire University or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California is more affordable, with an average net price of $32,740 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Southern New Hampshire 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 $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Southern New Hampshire University or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 44%.
Southern New Hampshire 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 1.4%.
Should you choose Southern New Hampshire 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. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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