At $31,927/yr net price, University of Southern California graduates earn $92,498/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $58,498/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,927 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $127,708 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $92,498/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$58,498/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 92.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,470/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,692/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,993/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,865/yr |
| $110,001+ | $56,347/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $187,234 | $252,481 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $163,225 | $96,260 |
| Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other. | Master | $135,393 | $51,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $131,090 | $77,686 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $126,683 | $234,278 |
| Real Estate Development. | Master | $122,038 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Certificate | $122,038 | |
| Marketing. | Certificate | $117,572 | $95,362 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $116,083 | $51,250 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $112,319 | $232,660 |
The Risk Factor
92.0% of students at University of Southern California graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
USC delivers strong financial returns despite its high cost, with graduates earning a median of $92,498 ten years after graduation. Your net price of $31,927 annually positions you well for solid earnings growth in the competitive Los Angeles job market.
The school's professional programs dominate the earnings environment. Advanced dentistry graduates command $187,234 annually, though you'll carry $252,481 in debt. Nursing offers the best debt-to-income ratio at $163,225 in earnings with $96,260 in debt. Business administration provides steady returns at $131,090 with more manageable debt of $77,686. Pharmacy pays well at $126,683 but saddles you with $234,278 in debt.
USC's biggest financial risk lies in choosing the wrong major. While top programs deliver strong returns, weaker programs at this price point can leave you financially strained. The school's 92% graduation rate protects your investment, but only if you complete your degree.
You'll find the strongest financial fit here if you're pursuing business, healthcare, or other professional programs where USC's alumni network and Los Angeles location create clear career advantages. The school works financially if your family can handle the upfront costs without excessive borrowing.
USC's financial aid reaches only 22% of students, making merit scholarships critical for middle-income families. The school's endowment funds generous aid packages for those who qualify, but most students pay close to full price. Your best cost strategy involves applying early and demonstrating strong academic credentials for merit consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Southern California worth the high tuition cost?
USC graduates earn a median of $92,498 ten years after graduation, which is strong for the $31,927 annual net price. The 92% graduation rate and relatively low $18,000 median debt make the investment worthwhile for most students, especially in high-paying programs like dentistry and nursing.
Which University of Southern California programs have the best return on investment?
USC's dentistry program leads with $187,234 median earnings, followed by nursing at $163,225. Business administration graduates earn $131,090, making these programs clear winners for ROI compared to the school's net price.
How much debt do University of Southern California students typically graduate with?
USC students graduate with a median debt of $18,000, which is manageable given the school's strong earning outcomes. This low debt burden, combined with high graduation rates, reduces financial risk significantly.
Does University of Southern California provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
USC's net price of $31,927 represents substantial financial aid, as the sticker price is much higher. However, aid varies widely by family income, and middle-income families often face higher costs than the average.