Accountingat University of Southern California
Graduates earn $73,903/yr in their first year — about 38.0% above the national Accounting average. Base-case 10-year earnings $934K; scenarios range from $771K to $1,008K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Southern California
The impressive financial outcomes for USC Accounting reflect its elite standing and prime location. Major firms, particularly the Big 4, aggressively recruit from its strong program, leveraging the university's powerful alumni network across Southern California's diverse economy—from entertainment and tech to finance. This robust pipeline ensures graduates secure competitive roles quickly, often involving more complex financial analysis and advisory work rather than routine bookkeeping.
However, the high AI risk score is crucial. Many traditional accounting tasks, like data entry and basic auditing, are increasingly automated. Your long-term success hinges on developing advanced analytical skills, technological proficiency (e.g., data analytics, specialized software), and strong communication for client-facing advisory roles. Focus on specializations that emphasize strategic thinking and interpretation, future-proofing your career in a rapidly evolving field.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Southern California's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Accounting
How University of Southern California stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Southern California
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Southern California, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Accounting offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Accounting trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Accounting at University of Southern California
What does a 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Accounting at University of Southern California?
At 73/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Accounting at University of Southern California?
The 62% 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 Accounting 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.