University of Southern California ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$272,948
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$39,461/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
6.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
189%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, University of Southern California alumni earn a median of $63,275. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $74,461, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $92,498. The median debt for graduates is $18,000, and 24.9% of students receive financial aid.
The annual in-state tuition cost is $68,237. Given the first-year earnings of $63,275, the tuition cost is only slightly less than the first year's earnings. The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$68,237
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$74,461
Graduation Rate
92%
Receive Financial Aid
25%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $160,552 | 820% |
| Social Work | $64,432 | 116% |
| Legal Professions and Studies, Other | $162,790 | 836% |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies | $54,448 | 43% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $123,911 | 551% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $89,658 | 301% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $134,025 | 626% |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $52,452 | 28% |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $84,077 | 260% |
| Public Health | $74,747 | 191% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | $116,776 | 499% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $56,522 | 58% |
Peer Comparison
189%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
1244%
20yr ROI
229%
20yr ROI
204%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.