University of Southern California combines highly selective admission with exceptional post-graduation earning potential. Graduates earn $92,498 ten years after enrollment while maintaining debt levels well below peer institutions, supporting strong return on investment across diverse program areas.
With excellent-tier outcomes, driven by strong long-term earnings relative to educational investment costs
With below-average performance, reflecting higher net costs typical of selective private institutions
Above-average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students despite selective admission standards
With excellent-tier performance, reflecting USC's ability to support economic advancement for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisTop 5% nationally for graduate earnings
University of Southern California ranks #72 nationally with excellent-tier performance at the 95.6th percentile, reflecting top-tier outcomes across multiple institutional measures. Located in Los Angeles, California, this large private nonprofit university maintains highly selective admission standards with a 10.0% acceptance rate while serving 21.7% Pell-eligible and 24.7% first-generation students.
USC demonstrates exceptional earnings performance with graduates earning $92,498 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 97th percentile nationally. This places USC well above the peer median of $76,571, with graduates earning $15,927 more annually than similar institutions.
The university's Selective Achievers classification reflects strong post-graduation outcomes combined with selective student enrollment patterns. USC delivers earnings at expected levels relative to student backgrounds, maintaining its position among institutions with top-tier return on investment performance.
University of Southern California delivers exceptional long-term earning outcomes while maintaining controlled debt levels. Graduates earn a median of $92,498 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 97th percentile nationally among all institutions.
Earnings span from $58,692 at the 25th percentile to $141,338 at the 75th percentile, indicating strong upward potential across career paths. USC generates earnings at expected levels for its student profile, placing it at the 55.7th percentile for earnings beyond expectations.
Students seeking top-tier private education with strong post-graduation earning potential, particularly in business, communications, and STEM fields. Well-suited for academically high-achieving students who can navigate highly selective admission (10% acceptance) and are comfortable with above-average costs for access to extensive alumni networks and career outcomes.
University of Southern California admits approximately 10.0% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 10 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places USC among the most selective universities in the United States, well below the peer median admission rate of 69.4%.
Even among elite private research universities, USC's acceptance rate reflects highly competitive admission standards. This level of selectivity means that even exceptionally qualified students face significant uncertainty in the admission process.
Many students who would thrive at USC do not receive admission due to the volume of highly qualified applicants competing for limited spots. Students considering USC should build comprehensive college lists that include institutions with higher acceptance rates but comparable academic quality and career outcomes.
USC should be treated as a reach school for most applicants regardless of academic credentials. Prospective students should focus on demonstrating unique value propositions and alignment with USC's academic programs rather than relying solely on test scores and grades.
The sections below provide guidance on academic competitiveness and alternative schools with similar outcomes but more accessible admission processes.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Southern California's published cost of attendance reaches $84,678 per year, including $68,237 in tuition, $19,198 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $31,927 after financial aid, representing $52,751 in financial aid savings.
USC's net price of $31,927 compares closely to the peer median of $33,531, positioning the university competitively among selective private institutions despite high sticker prices. Financial aid targeting creates significant cost variation by family income, with net prices ranging from $15,470 for families earning under $30,000 to $56,347 for those earning over $110,000.
This $40,877 spread between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates USC's commitment to access through need-based aid. The substantial gap between sticker price and average net cost reflects comprehensive financial aid programming that makes USC accessible to families across income levels, though costs remain above public alternatives for middle and upper-income students.
USC graduates demonstrate substantial earning power with steady growth trajectories over time. Median earnings rise from $74,461 six years after enrollment to $87,601 at eight years and $92,498 at ten years, representing 24.2% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 3,552 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures. USC produces exceptional earnings outcomes, ranking at the 97th percentile nationally with graduates earning $92,498 compared to a peer median of $76,571.
Low-income graduates earn $97,700, indicating strong mobility outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds. The earnings distribution spans from $58,692 to $141,338, reflecting a 2.4:1 ratio between top and bottom quartiles.
Approximately 25.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, suggesting strong preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways. USC's earning power places it among the top 5% of institutions nationally for long-term graduate income.
Computer Science.
247 graduates
Computer Graphics.
27 graduates
Computer Engineering, General.
42 graduates
Industrial Engineering.
54 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
60 graduates
University of Southern California offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with comprehensive federal earnings data for analysis. Business Administration and Management ranks #12 nationally and #4 in California, graduating 1,020 students with median earnings of $87,767 and an exceptional value score of 96.8.
Computer Science ranks #18 nationally and #6 in California, producing 247 graduates earning $143,152 with a strong value score of 90.7. Communication and Media Studies ranks #14 nationally and #5 in California, graduating 314 students with median earnings of $63,317.
Cinematography and Film/Video Production ranks #3 nationally and #1 in California, representing 224 graduates earning $48,046. International Relations and Affairs ranks #4 nationally and #2 in California with 194 graduates earning $73,645.
These programs reflect USC's particular strengths in business, technology, communications, and creative fields with multiple programs achieving top-tier national recognition.
Consider these schools with similar outcomes but higher acceptance rates:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pepperdine University Higher acceptance rate (39.8 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 24 miles away; similar graduate earnings | CA | 50% | $82,939 | Compare |
University Of California-San Diego Higher acceptance rate (14.5 percentage points higher) and located 99 miles away; similar graduate earnings | CA | 25% | $84,943 | Compare |
University Of California-Irvine Higher acceptance rate (15.5 percentage points higher) and located 36 miles away; similar graduate earnings | CA | 26% | $80,735 | Compare |
University Of San Francisco Higher acceptance rate (40.8 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | CA | 51% | $89,812 | Compare |
University Of San Diego Higher acceptance rate (36.7 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | CA | 47% | $86,522 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vanderbilt University Similar quality tier (#69 ranked) | TN | 6% | $91,565 | #69 | Compare |
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This is the University Of Southern California hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-southern-california/analysis.
University Of Pennsylvania Similar quality tier (#80 ranked) | PA | 6% | $111,371 | #80 | Compare |
University Of Chicago Similar quality tier (#85 ranked) | IL | 5% | $91,885 | #85 | Compare |
Cornell University Similar quality tier (#62 ranked) | NY | 8% | $104,043 | #62 | Compare |
Liberty University Similar quality tier (#87 ranked) | VA | 99% | $44,813 | #87 | Compare |
