Historyat University of Southern California
Graduates earn $36,876/yr in their first year — about 14.0% above the national History average. Base-case 10-year earnings $656K; scenarios range from $589K to $674K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Southern California
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.
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 History
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 History offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare History trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about History at University of Southern California
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.