Industrial Engineeringat University of Southern California
Graduates earn $87,807/yr in their first year — about 19.0% above the national Industrial Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,154K; scenarios range from $963K to $1,200K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Southern California
Studying Industrial Engineering at USC places you at the heart of a dynamic, diverse economy. The program's strength isn't just academic rigor; it's amplified by its location within the vast Los Angeles market. You'll find a robust demand for your skills in optimization and efficiency across sectors like aerospace, entertainment, healthcare, and global logistics, not just traditional manufacturing. USC's strong industry connections and powerful alumni network actively channel graduates into top-tier roles, often with leading companies in consulting, tech operations, and supply chain management. While AI risk is noted, remember that your human ingenuity in designing, implementing, and managing complex systems remains irreplaceable. To truly capitalize on this degree, proactively seek internships and networking opportunities to translate classroom knowledge into practical experience and build those critical professional connections.
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 Industrial Engineering
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 Industrial Engineering offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Industrial Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Industrial Engineering at University of Southern California
What does a 65/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Industrial Engineering at University of Southern California?
At 65/100, the score looks reasonable — but Industrial Engineering 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 Industrial Engineering at University of Southern California?
The 43% 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 Industrial Engineering 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.