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Applied Mathematics at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
60
Optimistic
59
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $71,622/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #24 of 44 Applied Mathematics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Applied Mathematics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $865K $827K $682K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.0x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 59 55

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
$12,251
2.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$94,658
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $71,622 per year, Applied Mathematics graduates from University of Southern California earn slightly above the $62,640 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 3.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Applied Mathematics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $12,251 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #24 ranking among 44 Applied Mathematics programs places University of Southern California in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 32% earnings increase from $71,622 to $94,658 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Southern California

With just 10% of applicants admitted, University of Southern California ranks among the nation's most selective schools, 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
Actuaries $125,770/yr
Mathematicians $121,680/yr
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 44 schools offering Applied Mathematics →

Applied Mathematics at Other Schools

Harvard University ($114,279) Brown University ($99,193) Stevens Institute of Technology ($97,700) Northwestern University ($94,684) Columbia University in the City of New York ($91,559) Ohio State University-Main Campus ($82,523) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($82,275) Wentworth Institute of Technology ($82,152)

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)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Applied Mathematics at University of Southern California?
At 59/100, the score looks reasonable — but Applied Mathematics is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Applied Mathematics at University of Southern California?
The 61% 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 Applied Mathematics 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 →