Program Analysis
At $34,139 per year, Psychology graduates from University of Southern California earn slightly above the $31,705 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
The financial case is thin at 2.4x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.
Some AI exposure exists in Psychology's typical career paths, with 49% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 13% gap from the optimistic case.
The median debt load of $14,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
Ranked #580 of 926 Psychology programs, University of Southern California falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $67,060 show a 96% jump from the $34,139 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.