Journalism at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,651/yr (30% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #61 of 178 Journalism programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $671K $646K $566K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.4x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 29

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
$15,000
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,113
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $44,651 per year, Journalism graduates from University of Southern California significantly outpace the $34,417 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

An earnings multiple of 2.4x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 64% task exposure — and the 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $15,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #61 out of 178 programs, University of Southern California's Journalism offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $44,651 to $73,113 over five years (64% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Southern California

With just 10% of applicants admitted, University of Southern California ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with 20,817 students enrolled 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

Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
Editors $75,260/yr
Writers and authors $72,270/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Journalism at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Southern California

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Southern California's Journalism program score?
This program scores 36/100 — on the lower end for Journalism. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Journalism to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Journalism careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 64% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Journalism 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 →