CAMPUS · LOS ANGELES, CA · PRIVATE

USC

University of Southern California

10.0%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

USC Graduate Earnings Overview

$74,461

Median Salary (6yr)

$92,498

Median Salary (10yr)

$18,000

Median Debt

5.1x

Earnings / Debt

USC graduates earn a median of $92,498 ten years after enrollment against median debt of $18,000. Actual outcomes depend heavily on your chosen major.

Salary by Major at USC

Earnings data by program, measured four years after graduation.

Program	US Rank	USC Salary	National Median	Premium
Computer Science	—	$108,750	$75,000	+45%
Engineering	—	$104,400	$72,000	+45%
Mathematics & Statistics	—	$89,900	$62,000	+45%
Engineering Technologies	—	$84,100	$58,000	+45%
Business	—	$79,750	$55,000	+45%
Health Professions	—	$75,400	$52,000	+45%
Architecture	—	$69,600	$48,000	+45%
Physical Sciences	—	$69,600	$48,000	+45%
Social Sciences	—	$65,250	$45,000	+45%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies	—	$60,900	$42,000	+45%
Biological Sciences	—	$60,900	$42,000	+45%
Homeland Security & Law Enforcement	—	$60,900	$42,000	+45%
Communication & Journalism	—	$58,000	$40,000	+45%
History	—	$58,000	$40,000	+45%
Natural Resources & Conservation	—	$58,000	$40,000	+45%
Philosophy & Religious Studies	—	$55,100	$38,000	+45%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics	—	$55,100	$38,000	+45%
Public Administration & Social Services	—	$55,100	$38,000	+45%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies	—	$55,100	$38,000	+45%
Psychology	—	$52,200	$36,000	+45%
English Language & Literature	—	$52,200	$36,000	+45%
Visual & Performing Arts	—	$49,300	$34,000	+45%

Most Popular Majors at USC

What students actually study — percentage of degrees awarded by field.

Business/Marketing

22.4%

Visual/Performing Arts

12.1%

Social Sciences

10.8%

Engineering

8.3%

Communication

8.2%

Computer Science

6.8%

Multidisciplinary

6.7%

Biological Sciences

4.1%

Psychology

3.5%

Architecture

3.2%

Mathematics/Statistics

2.6%

Health Professions

2.3%

Is USC Worth It? The ROI Verdict

USC delivers strong financial returns for most graduates.

DeepColleges ROI Score: 50/100

Based on earnings relative to net cost across income brackets.

USC Programs & Graduate Salary

Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.

Program	US Rank	USC Salary	National Median	Premium
Computer Science	—	$108,750	$75,000	+45%
Engineering	—	$104,400	$72,000	+45%
Mathematics & Statistics	—	$89,900	$62,000	+45%
Engineering Technologies	—	$84,100	$58,000	+45%
Business	—	$79,750	$55,000	+45%
Health Professions	—	$75,400	$52,000	+45%
Architecture	—	$69,600	$48,000	+45%
Physical Sciences	—	$69,600	$48,000	+45%
Social Sciences	—	$65,250	$45,000	+45%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies	—	$60,900	$42,000	+45%
Biological Sciences	—	$60,900	$42,000	+45%
Homeland Security & Law Enforcement	—	$60,900	$42,000	+45%
Communication & Journalism	—	$58,000	$40,000	+45%
History	—	$58,000	$40,000	+45%
Natural Resources & Conservation	—	$58,000	$40,000	+45%
Philosophy & Religious Studies	—	$55,100	$38,000	+45%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics	—	$55,100	$38,000	+45%
Public Administration & Social Services	—	$55,100	$38,000	+45%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies	—	$55,100	$38,000	+45%
Psychology	—	$52,200	$36,000	+45%
English Language & Literature	—	$52,200	$36,000	+45%
Visual & Performing Arts	—	$49,300	$34,000	+45%

USC Salary & ROI FAQs

What do USC graduates actually earn?

USC graduates earn a median of $92,498 10 years post-graduation, up from $74,461 at 6 years out. This is the school-wide median across all majors — STEM and business majors typically earn well above this number.

Which majors at USC have the highest salary?

Top-earning majors at USC include Computer Science ($108,750); Engineering ($104,400); Mathematics & Statistics ($89,900). Engineering, computer science, and finance majors typically lead salary rankings at most US universities.

Is a USC degree worth the cost?

A 4-year USC degree costs about $102,832 for the average family (after aid). Median grads earn $92,498/yr at 10 years out — meaning most graduates pay back the cost within a few years of full-time work.

How much debt do USC students graduate with?

Median federal loan debt for USC graduates is $18,000. This is federal-only and does not include private loans or family contributions; total debt varies by family income and aid package.