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Music at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
18
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $12,947/yr (-54% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,600 openings/yr)
ROI 1.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #213 of 240 Music programs

Program Analysis

Your degree from USC's renowned Thornton School of Music places you in the heart of Los Angeles's demanding entertainment industry. The initial financial data reflects the highly competitive, often project-based nature of music careers, where establishing yourself in performance, composition, or sound engineering frequently involves piecing together diverse gigs, teaching roles, or studio work rather than a direct, high-paying corporate entry. While the program offers unparalleled networking opportunities within the film, TV, and gaming industries, building a sustainable career here takes time and strategic hustle. The "high AI risk" further highlights the need for adaptability and unique human creativity. To thrive, actively cultivate a diverse portfolio of skills—combining your artistic passion with practical production, business acumen, and strong professional connections.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $425K $432K $412K
Earnings Multiple 1.6x 1.6x 1.5x
Probability of Field Employment 35% 31% 24%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 18 16

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
$19,839
18.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$24,763
91% growth from Year 1

About University of Southern California

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

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr
Sound engineering technicians $66,430/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 240 schools offering Music →

Music at Other Schools

Sam Houston State University ($59,926) The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ($56,373) Texas A & M University-Kingsville ($56,072) The University of Texas at El Paso ($56,062) University of Houston ($52,799) Texas A & M University-Commerce ($52,282) Texas State University ($51,158) West Texas A & M University ($50,881)

Other Majors at University of Southern California

Computer Science ($137,284) Computer Software and Media Applications ($103,071) Real Estate ($98,763) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($89,684) Industrial Engineering ($87,807) Civil Engineering ($85,262) Mechanical Engineering ($83,356) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($80,508)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Music trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Music at University of Southern California?
A score of 18/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Music. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Music at University of Southern California worth the student debt?
Median debt of $19,839 against $12,947/yr starting salary means roughly 1.5 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Will AI replace Music careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $411,749 in decade earnings vs $425,273 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Music from University of Southern California?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Is University of Southern California a hidden gem for Music?
After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below the $272,948 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →