History at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,876/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #241 of 389 History programs

Program Analysis

A USC History degree provides a strong foundation in critical thinking, research, and persuasive communication—highly transferable skills prized across diverse sectors in the dynamic Los Angeles market and beyond. Your educational experience here, bolstered by the university's robust alumni network and career services, positions you competitively for roles that value deep analytical abilities, even outside traditional history fields. Many graduates effectively pivot into management, consulting, policy analysis, or even entertainment, where understanding complex narratives and human behavior is key. While AI's growth may impact certain information-gathering tasks, your unique ability to interpret context and craft nuanced arguments will remain invaluable. Focus heavily on internships and developing a complementary skill set, like data analysis or project management, to maximize your post-graduation opportunities.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $674K $656K $589K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.4x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 36

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
$12,138
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,904
92% growth from Year 1

About University of Southern California

University of Southern California admits 10% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, 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

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
History teachers, postsecondary $81,500/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

History at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Southern California

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Southern California's History program score?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for History. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is History to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' History careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 44% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is History 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 →