By Ryan Mercer · CampusROI Editorial Team
Is USC Worth It? The ROI Data on University of Southern California (2026)
USC costs $72,097 in tuition. Average net price: $32,740. Graduates earn $92,498 at 10 years. ROI score: 91/100. The data says yes - but your major determines the margin.
USC has a reputation problem - not because its outcomes are bad, but because its $72,097 tuition makes people assume it's another case of prestige over value. The data says otherwise.
USC scores 91/100 on our ROI model. That's Exceptional Value - the same tier as MIT, Stanford, and Georgia Tech. Here's why, and where the caveats are.
USC by the Numbers
| Metric | USC |
|---|---|
| CampusROI Score | 91/100 - Exceptional Value |
| Tuition (2026) | $72,097/year |
| Average net price after aid | $32,740/year |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $130,960 |
| Median earnings (10 years out) | $92,498 |
| Median debt at graduation | $18,000 |
| 6-year graduation rate | 91.8% |
| Estimated payback period | 4.7 years |
Cost by Income Bracket
| Family Income | Avg Net Price at USC |
|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $13,516/year |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $14,394/year |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $19,539/year |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,976/year |
| $110,001+ | $56,116/year |
What USC Graduates Actually Earn
| Major | 4-Year Median Earnings | Debt-to-Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $192,897 | 0.15 | A |
| Computer Engineering | $166,369 | 0.06 | A |
| Computer Software / Media | $115,839 | 0.23 | A |
| Real Estate | $143,977 | 0.20 | A |
Film and communications majors - USC's Annenberg and School of Cinematic Arts are legendary - earn significantly less. This is an honest limitation of creative industry programs regardless of school prestige.
USC vs. The Alternatives
UCLA (ROI 96, net $12,548): UCLA graduates earn $82,511 at 10 years vs. USC's $92,498. The $20,000/year price gap makes UCLA the better financial choice for California residents despite lower median earnings. Use the savings.
UC Berkeley (ROI 97, net $13,481): Same logic. Berkeley's CS program is arguably stronger than USC's. $19,000/year cheaper.
If you're not a California resident: USC becomes more competitive, since UC out-of-state tuition approaches $55,000/year. In that scenario, USC's $32,740 net is often cheaper than a UC school.
The Verdict
USC scores 91/100 for a reason. The combination of low median debt ($18,000), strong earnings ($92,498 at 10 years), 91.8% graduation rate, and a 4.7-year payback period is genuinely impressive for a private school.
Worth it if: You're studying CS, engineering, real estate, or business. You're not a California resident (making UC schools similarly priced). Your family qualifies for aid under $75,000 income.
Think harder if: You're a California resident choosing USC over a UC school at $12,000-$17,000/year. The outcomes gap doesn't justify the cost gap for most majors. Or if you're studying film/communications and expecting a high-earning career - very few graduates reach the outcomes the program's reputation implies.
USC is a legitimate strong-value school. The mistake is confusing strong value with unambiguous value - the California resident paying $20,000 more per year for USC than UCLA needs the specific USC program to justify that premium.
All data from College Scorecard, as of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is USC worth the cost?
USC scores 91/100 on CampusROI - Exceptional Value. With a 4.7-year payback period and $92,498 median earnings at 10 years, the data supports the cost for most graduates. Computer Science ($193K/4yr) and Real Estate ($144K/4yr) are standout programs.
What is the average net price at USC?
USC's average net price is $32,740/year after grants and scholarships. Families earning under $48,000 pay $13,000-$14,000/year. Families earning above $110,000 pay an average of $56,116/year.
How does USC compare to UCLA?
UCLA costs $12,548/year net vs. USC's $32,740 - a $20,000/year difference. UCLA graduates earn $82,511 vs USC's $92,498 at 10 years. UCLA wins decisively on ROI for California residents. USC wins on outcomes, but the price gap makes UCLA the financially superior choice for most in-state students.
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