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Software Development at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Computer Software and Media Applications
77 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
78
Optimistic
77
Base Case
71
Pessimistic
Earnings $103,071/yr (122% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (70% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (262,500 openings/yr)
ROI 5.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #3 of 55 Computer Software and Media Applications programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Software Development graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,587K $1,456K $1,027K
Earnings Multiple 5.8x 5.3x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 78 77 71

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)
$165,219
60% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of University of Southern California's Software Development program earn $103,071/yr in their first year — 122% above the $46,351 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 5.3x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI exposure is significant at 70% of job tasks, producing a 35% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

Ranked #3 out of 55 programs, University of Southern California's Software Development program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth from $103,071 to $165,219 over five years (60% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Southern California

University of Southern California admits 10% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, 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 55 schools offering Software Development →

Software Development at Other Schools

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($98,117) Western Governors University ($95,292) Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($86,193) University of Phoenix-Arizona ($83,476) University of Phoenix-California ($83,476) University of Phoenix-Texas ($83,476) DigiPen Institute of Technology ($81,885) Rochester Institute of Technology ($69,052)

Other Majors at University of Southern California

Computer Science ($137,284) 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)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Software Development trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Southern California's Software Development program score?
A score of 77/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. University of Southern California's Software Development graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Software Development to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Software Development careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 70% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of Southern California rank so high for Software Development?
The #3 ranking out of 55 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
How affordable is Software Development 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 →