Head-to-Head Comparison
Union College vs University of Southern California
- Union Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 19
- Southern California Wins
- 24
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Southern California offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $32,740 vs Union College's $34,561, 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
Union
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Southern California
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment, 4% more than Union College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $32,740, roughly $1,821 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
- More selective: Admits 10% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Union graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (21% 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 Union College. Median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment vs $88,604.
Pick University of Southern California over Union College. Net price $32,740 vs $34,561.
Pick University of Southern California over Union College. 92% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Union College 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
University of Southern California is the harder admit. It takes 10% of applicants, while Union College takes 44%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,395 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 $1,821 a year below Union College's $34,561. Graduates of University of Southern California also borrow less: median debt of $18,000, against $25,337.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $7,284 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 $88,604 at Union College. That is a 4% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Southern California has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% 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 83%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 9% 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 University of Southern California to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Union College concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, 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
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,337, against $18,000 at University of Southern California.
- Business and consulting-track students: Union College has less business program depth, and University of Southern California offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Union College has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Southern California's enrollment of 20,443 far exceeds Union College's 2,046.
Full Data Breakdown
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
Union College
Schenectady, NY · Private nonprofit
Union College is a solid choice for students interested in a diverse range of studies, particularly in social sciences, engineering, biology, and psychology. With an enrollment of about 2,046 students and an acceptance rate of 44%, it strikes a balance between being accessible and maintaining a close-knit community. The graduation rate of 83% reflects a supportive environment where students tend to thrive and complete their degrees.
When it comes to what happens after graduation, students from Union College can expect a median earning of $88,604 within ten years of finishing their degree. This level of earning power suggests that graduates are well-prepared for the job market, with many finding roles that allow them to grow both personally and professionally. The affordability factor also plays a role in this, as financial burdens are important to consider when thinking about long-term success.
The financial bottom line shows a net price of $34,561 after aid, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. With a median debt of $25,337, students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook, especially relative to their earning potential. Those who tend to thrive at Union are likely to be motivated, engaged, and ready to take on the academic rigor of the programs offered, all while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere in Schenectady.
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
Union's top program is Sociology (21% of enrollment), while Southern California leads with Business Administration (22%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for Union) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern California).
The two schools feed different job markets. Union College is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Humanities, 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 Union College or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California is harder to get into, admitting 10% of applicants compared with 44% at Union College.
Which is more affordable, Union College or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California is more affordable, with an average net price of $32,740 after aid versus $34,561 at Union College.
Do Union College 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 $88,604 at Union College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Union College or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 83%.
Should you choose Union College 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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