Head-to-Head Comparison
Tufts University vs University of Southern California
- Tufts Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 11
- Southern California Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Southern California offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Tufts University achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 92%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $39,998 compared to University of Southern California's $32,740 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Southern California benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $92,498 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Tufts
- Less debt: Median debt of $16,250, the lower of the two
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #53
Southern California
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment, 11% more than Tufts University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $32,740, roughly $7,258 a year less
- 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?
Tufts graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (20% 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 Tufts University. Median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment vs $83,214.
Pick University of Southern California over Tufts University. Net price $32,740 vs $39,998.
Pick Tufts University over University of Southern California. THE World Rank #53 vs #73.
Pick University of Southern California over Tufts University. 3.9% mobility rate vs 2.1%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Tufts University and University of Southern California are close on paper, but University of Southern California wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 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 Tufts University takes 11%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,513 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, University of Southern California comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $32,740, about $7,258 a year below Tufts University's $39,998. Graduates of Tufts University also borrow less: median debt of $16,250, against $18,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $29,032 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 $83,214 at Tufts University. That is a 11% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Southern California has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.2x.
So what: An earnings gap of 11% 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 Tufts University, it is 2.1%. University of Southern California also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.4%.
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, Tufts University sits higher, at #53 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
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. Tufts University ranks higher globally (#53 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.
Their academic identities diverge. Tufts University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, while University of Southern California leans toward Business & Marketing, 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 $39,998 runs well above University of Southern California's $32,740.
- Business and consulting-track students: Tufts University has less business program depth, and University of Southern California offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Tufts University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Southern California's enrollment of 20,443 far exceeds Tufts University's 7,061.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Southern California offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Tufts 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
Tufts University
Medford, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Tufts University attracts students who are ready to engage in a vibrant academic community. This school is ideal for those passionate about social sciences, engineering, biology and biomedical fields, computer science and IT, or the visual and performing arts. What stands out is the commitment to a well-rounded education that encourages exploration and interdisciplinary study, making it a great fit for curious minds eager to make an impact.
After graduation, students can expect a solid earning potential, with a 10-year median salary of $83,214. This figure highlights the strong return on investment for graduates. With a graduation rate of 93%, it's clear that students not only thrive academically but also transition successfully into their careers. While the Pell Grant rate is at 12%, indicating that a smaller percentage of students come from low-income backgrounds, those who do tend to find pathways to upward mobility in their professional lives.
Looking at the practical side, the net price of attending Tufts is around $39,998 after aid, which is significant but manageable for many. Graduates carry a median debt of $16,250, a figure that suggests a thoughtful balance between investment in education and financial responsibility. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are driven, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the diverse opportunities available on campus and beyond.
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
Tufts's top program is Sociology (20% 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 Tufts) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern California).
The two schools feed different job markets. Tufts University is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, while University of Southern California concentrates in Business & Marketing, 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 Tufts University or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California is harder to get into, admitting 10% of applicants compared with 11% at Tufts University.
Which is more affordable, Tufts University or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California is more affordable, with an average net price of $32,740 after aid versus $39,998 at Tufts University.
Do Tufts 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 $83,214 at Tufts University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Tufts University or University of Southern California?
Tufts University has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 92%.
Tufts 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 2.1%.
Should you choose Tufts 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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