Head-to-Head Comparison
Texas A&M University-College Station vs University of Southern California
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
- Texas A&M Wins
- 14
- Tied
- 18
- Southern California Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Texas A&M University-College Station offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Southern California achieves a higher graduation rate (92% vs 84%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $32,740 compared to Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Texas A&M University-College Station'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
Texas A&M
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,315, roughly $11,425 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,804, the lower of the two
Southern California
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment, 28% more than Texas A&M University-College Station
- Higher grad rate: 92% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 10% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Texas A&M graduates concentrate in Engineering (17% 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 Texas A&M University-College Station. Median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment vs $72,097.
Pick Texas A&M University-College Station over University of Southern California. Net price $21,315 vs $32,740.
Pick University of Southern California over Texas A&M University-College Station. 92% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Texas A&M University-College Station and University of Southern California are close on paper, but University of Southern California wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 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 Texas A&M University-College Station takes 57%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,280 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, Texas A&M University-College Station comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,315, about $11,425 a year below University of Southern California's $32,740. Graduates of Texas A&M University-College Station also borrow less: median debt of $17,804, against $18,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $45,700 before any change in aid. Choosing Texas A&M University-College Station 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 $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station. That is a 28% 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 28% 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 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 8% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Texas A&M University-College Station to keep costs and debt down; pick University of Southern California for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Texas A&M University-College Station saves about $11,425 a year, yet University of Southern California graduates earn $20,401 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Texas A&M University-College Station concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, 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
- Students who want a smaller campus: Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment of 59,615 far exceeds University of Southern California's 20,443.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $32,740 runs well above Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315.
- Engineering-focused students: Texas A&M University-College Station has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Southern California holds onto its admits more tightly: 40% of admitted students enroll, versus 38% at Texas A&M — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Southern California, where only about 45% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 60,000 students, Texas A&M University-College Station is a bustling hub for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions. This diverse community suits students who thrive in a large, spirited environment and are looking for practical, career-oriented education. The 57% acceptance rate indicates a competitive yet accessible admissions process, welcoming a broad range of students keen on making an impact in their chosen fields.
When it comes to life after graduation, the figures speak volumes. Graduates earn an impressive average of $72,097 in their first decade, reflecting the solid return on investment that comes with a degree from Texas A&M. This earning potential, coupled with a graduation rate of 84%, illustrates that many students not only complete their degrees but also step into well-paying jobs. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is also working to support students from diverse financial backgrounds.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,315, which is manageable considering the earning prospects. The median debt of $17,804 is reasonable, especially when weighed against the potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are self-motivated and ready to engage in a collaborative and energetic college culture, preparing them well for their careers ahead.
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
Texas A&M's top program is Mechanical Engineering (17% of enrollment), while Southern California leads with Business Administration (22%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Texas A&M) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern California).
The two schools feed different job markets. Texas A&M University-College Station is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Health Professions, 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.
Texas A&M
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Texas A&M University-College Station or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California is harder to get into, admitting 10% of applicants compared with 57% at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which is more affordable, Texas A&M University-College Station or University of Southern California?
Texas A&M University-College Station is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,315 after aid versus $32,740 at University of Southern California.
Do Texas A&M University-College Station 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 $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which has a better graduation rate, Texas A&M University-College Station or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 84%.
Should you choose Texas A&M University-College Station or University of Southern California?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Texas A&M University-College Station if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Southern California if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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