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Mechanical Engineering at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $83,356/yr (18% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 3.5x earnings multiple

Ranked #222 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$999K	$944K	$791K
Earnings Multiple	3.7x	3.5x	2.9x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	64	62	59

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

$14,250

2.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$107,591

29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $83,356 at University of Southern California come in 18% above the national median of $70,527 for Mechanical Engineering programs.

The 3.5x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 53% task exposure — and the 21% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $83,356 far exceeding the $14,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #222 out of 320 programs, University of Southern California's financial outcomes for Mechanical Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $83,356 to $107,591 shows 29% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Southern California

University of Southern California's 10% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, 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

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr

Aerospace engineers $134,830/yr

Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr

View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mechanical Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Southern California

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Southern California's Mechanical Engineering program score?

A score of 62/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but University of Southern California trails the majority of Mechanical Engineering programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.

How vulnerable is Mechanical Engineering to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Mechanical Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 53% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

How affordable is Mechanical Engineering 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 →