University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California · Private Nonprofit · 9.8% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 91/100 · Exceptional Value
USC scores 91 (Exceptional Value) -- a top-tier result that reflects a 4.7-year payback period, $61,400 median 6-year earnings, 91.8% completion rate, and debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.293. Median debt is only $18,000 despite $72,097 sticker tuition -- a result of USC's substantial financial aid program that concentrates grant aid heavily at lower income levels. The 83.9% three-year repayment rate reflects graduates who are earning well relative to their debt. USC is highly selective at 9.8% admission with SAT mid-ranges of 740-790 Math and 710-760 Reading, ACT 32-35. At 20,443 students, it is a large research university in Los Angeles with extensive industry connections. The program-level data is exceptional at the top: Computer Science (305 graduates, A-grade, $137,284 year-one), Computer Engineering (A-grade, $166,369 year-four), Industrial Engineering (A-grade, $87,807 year-one), and Economics (178 graduates, A-grade, $57,060 year-one rising to $94,435 year-four). Even communication, journalism, and humanities programs show strong outcomes driven by the USC network and LA industry access. Music (71 graduates, F-grade, DTR 1.62) is the one outlier where year-one earnings ($12,947) reflect the career path, not USC's institutional strength.
The median graduate earns $92,498 ten years after entry - well above the national median of roughly $55,000 for 4-year college graduates.
University of Southern California
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $72,097/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $72,097/yr |
| Average net price | $32,740/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $130,960 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $92,498 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $61,400 |
| Median debt at graduation | $18,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $191 |
| Estimated payback period | 4.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 91.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 20,443 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Southern California is $72,097/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $32,740/year, or roughly $130,960 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $13,516/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $56,116/year.
The median graduate leaves with $18,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $191 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $92,498 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.29 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,516 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,394 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,539 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,976 |
| $110,001+ | $56,116 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $13,516 per year at USC -- comparable to flagship public universities and far below the $72,097 sticker. The $30,001-48,000 bracket pays $14,394. Over four years, roughly $54,000-$58,000. Against $61,400 median earnings and a 4.7-year payback, the financial case for lower-income admitted students is among the strongest in private higher education. USC's financial aid commitment to lower-income students is a genuine institutional differentiator.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $48,001-75,000 bracket pays $19,539; the $75,001-110,000 bracket pays $24,976. The jump from $19k to $25k is moderate. Both prices are competitive for USC's outcomes. Middle-income families at this price range are getting exceptional value relative to the program outcomes, particularly in engineering, CS, and business.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families over $110,000 pay $56,116 per year -- a dramatic jump from the middle-income bracket, and roughly $224,000 over four years. At this price, program selection determines the ROI case. CS, engineering, finance, and economics graduates at USC justify $56k per year. Film, theatre, and arts management graduates at $56k per year face a harder financial argument even with strong USC network effects.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Southern California with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $192,897 | A |
| Communication and Media Studies | $75,864 | B |
| Human Biology | $69,751 | C |
| Psychology | $70,461 | B |
| Economics | $94,435 | A |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $58,623 | C |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $40,415 | C |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $84,866 | B+ |
| International Relations | $75,090 | B+ |
| Applied Mathematics | $101,094 | A |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Computer Science
Computer Science (305 graduates) earns $137,284 year-one and $192,897 at year four -- among the highest program-level outcomes in the CampusROI database. Debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.147 (ROI grade A) with median debt of $20,178. USC CS benefits from direct ties to LA and Silicon Valley tech employers. The year-one median of $137k reflects FAANG and major tech placement. Students admitted to USC CS are in one of the highest-returning programs at any institution nationally.
Economics
Economics (178 graduates) earns $57,060 year-one and $94,435 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.245 (ROI grade A). Median debt of $14,000 is very low. Economics at USC benefits from the LA financial services, consulting, and entertainment industries. The A grade reflects both the strong year-four trajectory and the remarkably low debt load. USC economics graduates who pursue finance or consulting reach six-figure compensation on a compressed timeline.
Communication and Media Studies
Communication and Media Studies (269 graduates) earns $47,651 year-one and $75,864 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.371 (ROI grade B). Median debt of $17,702 is low. USC's Annenberg School network in LA media and entertainment is unmatched among US universities. The B grade reflects year-one earnings that are moderate relative to the high debt that would be typical at full price -- but most USC students carry far less debt than sticker suggests.
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering (52 graduates) earns $80,508 year-one and $105,415 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.180 (ROI grade A). Median debt of $14,500 is extremely low. USC Biomedical Engineering benefits from ties to LA's healthcare and medical device sector. A-grade is well-supported by both the earnings trajectory and the low debt load -- reflecting strong financial aid to Viterbi School students.
Music
Music (71 graduates) earns $12,947 year-one and $34,124 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 1.620 (ROI grade F). Median debt of $20,976 against $12,947 starting salary is deeply negative in pure financial terms. This is the one program where the USC premium does not overcome the career path's earnings structure. Music graduates pursuing performance or composition face an early career with debt-to-earnings fundamentals that would be challenging at any institution. USC Thornton is world-class; the F grade reflects the career economics of music performance, not institutional failure.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 80.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 83.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 84.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 87.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 740-790 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 710-760 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 32-35 |
| Enrollment | 20,443 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 22.2% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $17,924 |
USC's 9.8% admission rate reflects intense selectivity. SAT 740-790 Math, 710-760 Reading, ACT 32-35 describes the competitive range. The financial profile is nuanced: sticker at $72,097 is among the highest in the database, but low-income students at $13,516 per year pay a net price lower than many public flagships. Aid packages for families under $75,000 are substantial. Families above $110,000 face $56,116 per year -- where the ROI case depends entirely on program selection.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
USC's peer set includes Art Center College of Design, Azusa Pacific, Boston University, Northeastern, and Cornell. Cornell and Boston University are the most meaningful academic comparisons. Among highly selective national research universities, USC's 91 ROI score is exceptional -- driven by the combination of high completion, strong earnings, and lower-than-expected median debt reflecting generous aid. Boston University and Northeastern both post strong ROI scores driven by co-op and career networks; USC's LA location provides comparable industry access in entertainment, technology, and healthcare specifically.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California (this school) | 91 | $32,740 | $92,498 |
| Cornell University | 96 | $28,690 | $104,043 |
| Northeastern University | 91 | $30,915 | $92,538 |
| Boston University | 90 | $24,402 | $83,238 |
| Azusa Pacific University | 71 | $22,212 | $66,677 |
| Art Center College of Design | 56 | $48,661 | $71,958 |
Who Thrives Here
USC admits 9.8% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 740-790 Math and 710-760 Reading, ACT 32-35. The 22.2% Pell rate reflects a moderately diverse student body for a highly selective private, though the $72,097 sticker limits access. The 20,443-student campus offers broad program depth and exceptional LA industry connections across entertainment, technology, healthcare, finance, and real estate. Students who perform well academically and leverage USC's alumni network face career outcomes that are among the strongest in the Scorecard database.
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of Southern California is one of the strongest financial investments in higher education. With a total 4-year net cost of $130,960 and median graduate earnings of $92,498 ten years out, the math works decisively in graduates' favor. The estimated payback period of 4.7 years is well below average.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 91.8% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $18,000 is very manageable against $92,498 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.