Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Notre Dame vs University of Southern California
- Notre Dame Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 10
- Southern California Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Notre Dame offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $26,780 vs University of Southern California's $32,740, University of Notre Dame delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose University of Notre Dame benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $99,980 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Notre Dame
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment, 8% more than University of Southern California
- Lower cost: Average net price of $26,780, roughly $5,960 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #63
Southern California
- 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
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Notre Dame graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (27% 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 Notre Dame over University of Southern California. Median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment vs $92,498.
Pick University of Notre Dame over University of Southern California. Net price $26,780 vs $32,740.
Pick University of Notre Dame over University of Southern California. THE World Rank #63 vs #73.
Pick University of Southern California over University of Notre Dame. 3.9% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick University of Notre Dame over University of Southern California. 96% completion rate vs 92%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Notre Dame and University of Southern California split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
University of Southern California is the harder admit. It takes 10% of applicants, while University of Notre Dame takes 11%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 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 Notre Dame comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $26,780, about $5,960 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 $19,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $23,840 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Notre Dame leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Notre Dame graduates report median earnings of $99,980, compared with $92,498 at University of Southern California. That is a 8% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 8% 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 Notre Dame graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 92%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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 University of Notre Dame, it is 0.9%. University of Southern California also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.4%.
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, University of Notre Dame sits higher, at #63 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 Notre Dame to keep costs and debt down; pick University of Southern California if upward mobility and access matter most.
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. University of Notre Dame concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while University of Southern California leans toward Visual & Performing Arts. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Notre Dame competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $32,740 runs well above University of Notre Dame's $26,780.
- Engineering-focused students: University of Notre Dame has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Southern California's enrollment of 20,443 far exceeds University of Notre Dame's 8,818.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Notre Dame holds onto its admits more tightly: 64% of admitted students enroll, versus 40% at Southern California — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
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
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit
The University of Notre Dame has an impressive graduation rate of 96%. This means that the vast majority of students who start their studies here complete their degrees on time. Such a high rate indicates strong student support and academic rigor.
According to the Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility outcomes for Notre Dame students are not available. However, the strong graduation rate and high earnings after ten years suggest that graduates from this institution tend to secure stable, well-paying jobs. The average earnings for alumni reach $99,980, reflecting the quality of education and career preparation they receive.
Prospective students should consider the financial aspects as well. The net price for attending Notre Dame is $26,780, with a median debt of $19,000 after graduation. While the Pell Grant rate is 14%, students who thrive here often pursue majors in Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Biology, and Computer Science, aligning their education with strong job markets.
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 Notre Dame is featured on the Best Colleges in Indiana ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 27% of Notre Dame'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 Notre Dame) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern California).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Notre Dame is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while University of Southern California concentrates in 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 Notre Dame or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California is harder to get into, admitting 10% of applicants compared with 11% at University of Notre Dame.
Which is more affordable, University of Notre Dame or University of Southern California?
University of Notre Dame is more affordable, with an average net price of $26,780 after aid versus $32,740 at University of Southern California.
Do University of Notre Dame or University of Southern California graduates earn more?
University of Notre Dame graduates earn more: median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment, versus $92,498 at University of Southern California.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Notre Dame or University of Southern California?
University of Notre Dame has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 92%.
University of Notre Dame 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 0.9%.
Should you choose University of Notre Dame or University of Southern California?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Notre Dame if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Southern California if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Notre Dame and Southern California stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
