Students at USC achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the university among the very best nationwide, with graduates consistently accessing high-paying careers in business, technology, and entertainment.
The university particularly excels at supporting low-income students, who achieve some of the strongest financial outcomes in the country despite coming from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The University of Southern California delivers some of the strongest long-term financial outcomes among all universities nationwide, with graduates earning a median of $92,498 ten years after enrollment—placing USC in the 97th percentile nationally for earnings. This private research university in Los Angeles combines academic excellence with exceptional career placement, particularly in business, technology, and entertainment industries where USC's extensive alumni network provides unmatched professional opportunities.
USC serves a more selective student population, with about 22% of students receiving Pell Grants and 25% being first-generation college students. Despite higher upfront costs, the university delivers remarkable value for those who can access it, with low-income graduates earning $97,700 at the ten-year mark—among the highest in the country for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, USC demonstrates how premium private education can translate into exceptional mobility outcomes. The university's location in Los Angeles, combined with its strong industry partnerships and alumni presence in high-paying sectors, creates a pathway to careers that justify the initial investment for families who can manage the financial commitment.
USC's program portfolio reflects its position as a comprehensive research university with particular strengths in high-return professional fields. Business Administration dominates with 1,020 graduates earning solid early-career salaries of $61,303, benefiting from USC's extensive alumni network in finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship. The program's scale creates meaningful industry presence and recruitment opportunities that extend well beyond graduation.
Technology and creative fields showcase USC's unique positioning in Los Angeles. Computer Graphics graduates earn exceptional salaries of $108,649, reflecting the university's strength in digital media, gaming, and entertainment technology where USC's industry connections provide direct pathways to high-paying careers. Even programs like Acting, while showing modest early earnings of $22,192, benefit from USC's unparalleled access to the entertainment industry where long-term career potential can be extraordinary.
USC's program mix emphasizes professional preparation and industry connection across fields. The university's location in Los Angeles, combined with extensive alumni networks in business, technology, and entertainment, creates career opportunities that justify the educational investment. Programs consistently benefit from real-world application, internship opportunities, and direct industry partnerships that translate academic preparation into exceptional career outcomes.
USC graduates achieve exceptional long-term earnings that rank among the highest nationwide. With a median income of $92,498 ten years after enrollment, graduates significantly outperform typical university outcomes, placing USC in the 97th percentile for earnings nationally. The university's strength spans multiple high-return fields, with particularly strong outcomes in business, technology, and creative industries where USC's Los Angeles location and industry connections provide substantial career advantages.
Business Administration graduates, representing USC's largest program with 1,020 students, earn a median of $61,303 early in their careers while benefiting from extensive alumni networks in finance and consulting. Computer Graphics majors achieve some of the highest earnings at $108,649, reflecting USC's strength in technology and digital media fields. Even programs like Acting, while showing more modest early earnings at $22,192, benefit from USC's unique position in the entertainment industry where long-term career trajectories can be exceptional.
The university's return on investment becomes particularly compelling over time, as USC graduates consistently access high-mobility careers in technology, finance, entertainment, and consulting. The combination of strong academic preparation, extensive alumni networks, and strategic location in one of the nation's largest job markets creates earning potential that continues to compound throughout graduates' careers.
USC's affordability picture reflects its position as a premium private institution, with significant variation based on family income levels. Low-income students pay about $15,470 annually after aid—a remarkably affordable figure that demonstrates USC's commitment to need-based financial support. Middle-income families face higher costs at around $18,993 per year, while high-income families pay the full premium at $56,347 annually, reflecting the true cost of USC's educational experience.
The university's financial aid strategy focuses heavily on supporting students from lower-income backgrounds, making USC accessible to talented students regardless of family resources. Federal student loan debt averages $18,000, which is manageable given USC graduates' strong earning potential, while Parent PLUS borrowing averages $29,772 for families who choose to contribute directly to educational costs.
What makes USC's pricing sustainable is the exceptional return graduates achieve on their educational investment. With median earnings approaching $92,500 ten years out, most borrowers can comfortably manage their debt obligations while building wealth over time. The university's strong career services, alumni network, and industry connections help ensure that the premium paid for USC education translates into career opportunities that justify the initial financial commitment.
University Of Southern California Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
