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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $84,678 |
| Tuition and Fees | $68,237 |
| Room and Board | $19,198 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$52,751 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $31,927 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $15,470 |
| $30–48k | $13,692 |
| $48–75k | $18,993 |
| $75–110k | $29,865 |
| $110k+ | $56,347 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
USC graduates manage relatively controlled debt levels despite the institution's high sticker price. Median student debt reaches $18,000, well below the peer median of $23,168, creating a favorable $5,168 advantage over similar institutions.
Debt distribution spans from $13,000 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students graduate with manageable borrowing levels. USC's debt performance ranks at the 79th percentile nationally, reflecting well-above-average debt control.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 indicates sustainable borrowing relative to post-graduation income, with graduates earning $5.14 for every dollar of debt. Parent PLUS loans average $29,772 with monthly payments of $392, representing additional family borrowing beyond student debt levels.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
USC delivers exceptional return on investment through the combination of controlled debt and strong post-graduation earnings. Graduates earn $92,498 ten years after enrollment while carrying median debt of just $18,000, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19.
This positions USC among institutions with excellent-tier return performance at the 94.5th percentile nationally. USC graduates earn $15,927 more annually than peer institution graduates while borrowing $5,168 less, demonstrating superior financial outcomes.
The university ranks among the top 5% nationally for median earnings while maintaining debt levels well below peer medians. Strong earnings outcomes, particularly in business, technology, and communications programs, justify USC's investment costs for students able to complete degrees successfully.
USC demonstrates strong financial aid performance with 21.7% of students receiving Pell grants, indicating meaningful enrollment of lower-income students despite selective admission standards. The average financial aid savings of $52,751 represents 62.3% of the total cost of attendance, reflecting comprehensive aid programming.
Net costs remain $1,604 below the peer median, suggesting competitive aid policies among similar selective private institutions. The university's aid strategy prioritizes need-based support, with families earning under $75,000 receiving the most substantial cost reductions.
USC's combination of selective admission and accessible pricing for lower-income students supports its Access index ranking at the 95th percentile. Financial aid effectiveness enables USC to maintain economic diversity within its student body while preserving academic selectivity.
