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Architectural Sciences and Technology at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,874/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Medium (25,400 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #23 of 28 Architectural Sciences and Technology programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Architectural Sciences and Technology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $534K $530K $498K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 1.9x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 66% 49%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 37

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
$30,500
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $47,874/yr, roughly in line with the $50,058 national median for Architectural Sciences and Technology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

An earnings multiple of 1.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $30,500 debt-to-$47,874 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #23 out of 28 programs, University of Southern California's financial outcomes for Architectural Sciences and Technology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of Southern California

University of Southern California's 10% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, one of the larger campuses at 20,817 students 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

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Architecture teachers, postsecondary $101,480/yr
Architectural and civil drafters $64,280/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 28 schools offering Architectural Sciences and Technology →

Architectural Sciences and Technology at Other Schools

University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($81,377) University of Massachusetts-Amherst ($64,939) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($58,653) Syracuse University ($58,622) Pratt Institute-Main ($58,246) Iowa State University ($57,928) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($56,797) Oklahoma State University-Main Campus ($56,272)

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)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Architectural Sciences and Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Southern California's Architectural Sciences and Technology program score?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Architectural Sciences and Technology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Architectural Sciences and Technology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Architectural Sciences and Technology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Architectural Sciences and Technology 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 →