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Public Policy Analysis at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $52,403/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (107,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #25 of 40 Public Policy Analysis programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Policy Analysis graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $551K $546K $502K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 50% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 38

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
$17,750
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $52,403 at University of Southern California come in 13% above the national median of $46,424 for Public Policy Analysis programs.

An earnings multiple of 2.0x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $52,403 far exceeding the $17,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #25 out of 40 programs, University of Southern California's financial outcomes for Public Policy Analysis trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of Southern California

University of Southern California's 10% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving a student body of 20,817 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

Political scientists $139,380/yr
Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 40 schools offering Public Policy Analysis →

Public Policy Analysis at Other Schools

Cornell University ($77,906) Princeton University ($73,630) Dickinson College ($61,592) Duke University ($60,501) University of Chicago ($60,057) Brown University ($58,161) Vanderbilt University ($57,023) Trinity College ($56,902)

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)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Southern California's Public Policy Analysis program score?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Public Policy Analysis. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Public Policy Analysis to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Public Policy Analysis careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 49% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Public Policy Analysis 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 →