Designat University of Southern California
Graduates earn $64,846/yr in their first year — about 92.0% above the national Design average. Base-case 10-year earnings $686K; scenarios range from $625K to $704K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Southern California
USC's Design and Applied Arts program benefits immensely from its elite reputation and prime Los Angeles location, explaining the robust career outcomes you see. The vibrant LA ecosystem, a global hub for entertainment, advertising, fashion, and tech, provides unparalleled internship and job opportunities. You'll find graduates deeply embedded in major studios, innovative design agencies, and burgeoning startups, often leveraging a powerful alumni network directly into these roles. While the creative field faces a significant AI risk, your education here likely emphasizes critical thinking, strategic problem-solving, and human-centered design principles that transcend automated tools. Focus on developing a distinctive portfolio that showcases your unique vision and adaptability. Actively engage with the professional community in LA; networking is paramount to navigating this dynamic, competitive landscape and securing those top-tier design roles.
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 Design
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 Design offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Design trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Design at University of Southern California
What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at University of Southern California?
At 51/100, University of Southern California's Design program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Design at University of Southern California?
The 38% 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 Design 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.