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 returns strong value for what you pay. A $92,498 median salary ten years out against a $18,000 median debt load means most graduates leave with far less debt than a single year of tuition and out-earn it quickly. The 96.5% retention and 92% graduation rate matter financially: you are very likely to finish in four years, so you avoid the extra-year costs that sink returns at schools where students stall out.
The tech and engineering programs are where the money is. Computer Software and Media Applications clears $108,000, and Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Electrical Engineering all land in the $80,000-$92,000 range. Computer Engineering stands out because its median debt sits near $6,600 while paying over $90,000 , one of the cleanest cost-to-earnings ratios on the list. If you are coming to USC for these fields, the math works decisively in your favor.
The risk is the sticker price if you do not qualify for aid. Families earning over $110k pay $56,347 a year , more than triple what the lowest-income families pay. USC's published program earnings are concentrated in computing and engineering. if you enroll in a field not listed here, you are paying private-school prices without listed salary data to back the return, and you should weigh that carefully.
USC is a good financial fit if your family income is under $75k or if you plan to study computing or engineering. Below $48k, net price drops under $14,000 , cheaper than many public options. If your income is over $110k and you are not headed into a high-paying technical major, the near-full price makes the return harder to justify, and a lower-cost school may serve you better.
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.