Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities vs University of Southern California
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
- Minnesota-Twin Cities Wins
- 14
- Tied
- 17
- Southern California Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Southern California achieves a higher graduation rate (92% vs 85%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $32,740 compared to University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778. Students who choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $69,020 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,778, roughly $15,962 a year less
Southern California
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment, 34% more than University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- 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?
Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (12% 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment vs $69,020.
Pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities over University of Southern California. Net price $16,778 vs $32,740.
Pick University of Southern California over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 92% completion rate vs 85%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities takes 80%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,362 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,778, about $15,962 a year below University of Southern California's $32,740. Graduates of University of Southern California also borrow less: median debt of $18,000, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $63,848 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. That is a 34% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Southern California has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 34% 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 85%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities 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. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities saves about $15,962 a year, yet University of Southern California graduates earn $23,478 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. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, 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: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's enrollment of 31,855 far exceeds University of Southern California's 20,443.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $32,740 runs well above University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778.
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
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
With an enrollment of over 31,000 students, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out as a vibrant public university where a diverse array of students can thrive. If you're interested in business, biology, computer science, engineering, or psychology, you're likely to find a strong community here. The 80% acceptance rate shows that the university is accessible to many, making it an attractive option for students from various backgrounds seeking to gain a solid education in these fields.
After graduation, students can expect a median earning of around $69,020 within ten years, which is a promising number that speaks to the value of a degree from this university. While the data on mobility rates isn't available, the strong graduation rate of 85% suggests that most students are completing their programs and moving into the workforce with a competitive edge. This financial outlook is further enhanced by the affordability of the education, allowing graduates to step into their careers without overwhelming debt.
Speaking of costs, the net price after financial aid stands at approximately $16,778, which is quite manageable compared to many other institutions. With a median debt of $19,500, students here tend to leave with a reasonable financial burden. The university attracts those who are motivated and ready to invest in their futures, and it seems well-suited for individuals who are driven and eager to engage in a collaborative learning environment.
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
Minnesota-Twin Cities's top program is Biology (12% of enrollment), while Southern California leads with Business Administration (22%).
Minnesota-Twin Cities
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Minnesota-Twin Cities) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern California).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, Engineering, 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California is harder to get into, admitting 10% of applicants compared with 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which is more affordable, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of Southern California?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,778 after aid versus $32,740 at University of Southern California.
Do University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 85%.
Should you choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of Southern California?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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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