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Social Sciences, General at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,789/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (318,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #71 of 76 Social Sciences, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Social Sciences, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $614K $601K $552K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 61% 54% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 38

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
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,488
76% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Southern California's Social Sciences, General program produces graduates earning $33,789/yr — within striking distance of the $38,652 national average for this field.

At 2.2x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Sciences, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #71 ranking among 76 Social Sciences, General programs places University of Southern California in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $33,789-to-$59,488 earnings arc over five years reflects a 76% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

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

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Statisticians $103,300/yr
Sociologists $101,690/yr
View all 11 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 76 schools offering Social Sciences, General →

Social Sciences, General at Other Schools

Mercer University ($61,612) Vanderbilt University ($61,389) University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($57,538) Harvard University ($56,540) Upper Iowa University ($56,221) Campbell University ($50,653) University of Maryland Global Campus ($50,557) New York University ($49,016)

Other Majors at University of Southern California

Computer Science ($137,284) 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)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Social Sciences, General trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Sciences, General at University of Southern California?
At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Sciences, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Social Sciences, General at University of Southern California?
The 45% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What do students actually pay for Social Sciences, General at University of Southern California?
The 53% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $272,948. At a net cost of $127,708, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →