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Computer Science at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
79 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
80
Optimistic
79
Base Case
74
Pessimistic
Earnings $137,284/yr (86% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 5.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #148 of 345 Computer Science programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,631K $1,527K $1,031K
Earnings Multiple 6.0x 5.6x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 80 79 74

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,948
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,708
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,625
1.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$180,906
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Southern California Computer Science graduates command $137,284/yr out of the gate, well above the $73,713 national median. That 86% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 5.6x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

The 37% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 72% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Science graduates.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $19,625 in median debt clears quickly against $137,284 in annual earnings.

At #148 of 345 Computer Science programs, University of Southern California scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $137,284 to $180,906 over five years — a 32% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Southern California

Only 10% of applicants gain admission to University of Southern California, reflecting elite selectivity, with 20,817 students enrolled in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern California →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 345 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

California Institute of Technology ($173,344) Carnegie Mellon University ($171,264) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($154,492) Cornell University ($152,656) Harvard University ($152,251) Brown University ($151,065) University of California-Berkeley ($149,866) Princeton University ($146,624)

Other Majors at University of Southern California

Computer Software and Media Applications ($103,071) Real Estate ($98,763) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($89,684) Industrial Engineering ($87,807) Civil Engineering ($85,262) Mechanical Engineering ($83,356) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($80,508) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($78,980)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at University of Southern California?
This program scores 79/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Science nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Computer Science careers?
With 72% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $1,030,986 in decade earnings vs $1,630,611 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is University of Southern California a hidden gem for Computer Science?
After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below the $272,948 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →