Human Biology at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
21
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,405/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Medium (24,200 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #8 of 10 Human Biology programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Human Biology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $951K $910K $795K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.3x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 21 23

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
$14,481
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$80,692
245% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Southern California's Human Biology graduates start at $23,405/yr, trailing the $31,296 national average by 25%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 3.3x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $14,481 debt-to-$23,405 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #8 out of 10 programs, University of Southern California's financial outcomes for Human Biology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $23,405 to $80,692 over five years (245% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Southern California

Only 10% of applicants gain admission to University of Southern California, reflecting elite selectivity, serving a student body of 20,817 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

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Social scientists and related workers, all other $100,340/yr
Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Human Biology at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Southern California

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Southern California's Human Biology program score?
This program scores 21/100 — on the lower end for Human Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Human Biology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Human Biology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Human Biology earnings lower at University of Southern California?
Lower starting pay at University of Southern California may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is Human Biology at University of Southern California after financial aid?
Sticker price is $272,948, but the average net cost is $127,708 — a 53% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →