Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Southern California vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Southern California Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 15
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Southern California achieves a higher graduation rate (92% vs 89%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $32,740 compared to University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Wisconsin-Madison benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $73,792 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Southern California
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment, 25% more than University of Wisconsin-Madison
- 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
Wisconsin-Madison
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,354, roughly $15,386 a year less
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #27
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Southern California graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (22% of degrees); Wisconsin-Madison in Business & Marketing (16%). 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 Wisconsin-Madison. Median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment vs $73,792.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over University of Southern California. Net price $17,354 vs $32,740.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over University of Southern California. THE World Rank #27 vs #73.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Southern California and University of Wisconsin-Madison 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 Wisconsin-Madison takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,495 to 1,427.
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 Wisconsin-Madison comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,354, about $15,386 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 $20,484.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $61,544 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Wisconsin-Madison 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 $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. That is a 25% 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 25% 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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, University of Wisconsin-Madison sits higher, at #27 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 Wisconsin-Madison 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 Wisconsin-Madison saves about $15,386 a year, yet University of Southern California graduates earn $18,706 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks higher globally (#27 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. University of Southern California concentrates enrollment in Visual & Performing Arts, while University of Wisconsin-Madison leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $32,740 runs well above University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment of 36,902 far exceeds University of Southern California's 20,443.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Southern California offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Wisconsin-Madison 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
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.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 37,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a strong choice for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. If you’re interested in fields like Business, Biology, or Computer Science, this school has solid programs that cater to your academic interests. The acceptance rate of 45% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but it’s also a place where students can find community and support among their peers.
Looking at outcomes, graduates from Wisconsin-Madison earn an average of $73,792 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential points to a positive return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 89%, most students are not just moving through their programs but are also finding pathways to success after college. The affordability is another key factor, with a net price of $17,354, making it accessible for many families.
When it comes to finances, students graduate with a median debt of $20,484, which is manageable for the earnings they can expect. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes it a pragmatic choice for many. Students who tend to thrive here are those who take advantage of the resources available, engage in their studies, and connect with the vibrant campus life in Madison.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Southern California is featured on the Best Online Colleges in California ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 22% of Southern California's student body and 16% of Wisconsin-Madison's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern California) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Wisconsin-Madison).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Southern California is strongest in Visual & Performing Arts, Communications, while University of Wisconsin-Madison concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT. 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 Southern California or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Southern California is harder to get into, admitting 10% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which is more affordable, University of Southern California or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,354 after aid versus $32,740 at University of Southern California.
Do University of Southern California or University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more?
University of Southern California graduates earn more: median earnings of $92,498 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Southern California or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Southern California has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 89%.
Should you choose University of Southern California or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Wisconsin-Madison 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Southern California and Wisconsin-Madison 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.
