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Return on Investment Analysis

University of Southern California ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at University of Southern California costs about $272,948 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $74,461 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 6.9 years (20-year ROI: 189%).

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 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations $272,948 $160,552 820%
Social Work $272,948 $64,432 116%
Legal Professions and Studies, Other $272,948 $162,790 836%
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies $272,948 $54,448 43%
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $272,948 $123,911 551%
Communication and Media Studies $272,948 $89,658 301%
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $272,948 $134,025 626%
Film/Video and Photographic Arts $272,948 $52,452 28%
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $272,948 $84,077 260%
Public Health $272,948 $74,747 191%
Educational Administration and Supervision $272,948 $116,776 499%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $272,948 $56,522 58%
Economics $272,948 $76,486 204%
Accounting and Related Services $272,948 $96,607 351%
Health and Medical Administrative Services $272,948 $119,012 516%
Applied Mathematics $272,948 $72,484 175%
Human Resources Management and Services $272,948 $0 N/A
Engineering, Other $272,948 $129,134 590%
Music $272,948 $58,852 75%
Mechanical Engineering $272,948 $116,771 499%
International Relations and National Security Studies $272,948 $73,645 183%
Human Biology $272,948 $60,367 86%
Law $272,948 $164,409 848%
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft $272,948 $35,090 -99%

Peer Comparison

University of Southern California Current

189%

20yr ROI

Lakeview College of Nursing

0%

20yr ROI

University of California-Berkeley

1244%

20yr ROI

Emory University

229%

20yr ROI

Vanderbilt University

204%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$272,948
Median Debt$18,000

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$272,948

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, University of Southern California has an estimated 20-year ROI of 189%. The total 4-year cost is $272,948 and graduates earn a median of $74,461 within 5 years.

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.

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