Public Policy Analysisat University of Southern California
Graduates earn $52,403/yr in their first year — about 13.0% above the national Public Policy Analysis average. Base-case 10-year earnings $546K; scenarios range from $502K to $551K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Southern California
Your strong earnings potential with a Public Policy Analysis degree from USC reflects the institution's elite reputation and its prime location in Los Angeles. This program equips you with advanced analytical skills, making you highly attractive to a diverse range of employers beyond just government. Graduates frequently find roles in major non-profits, international organizations, urban planning consultancies, and healthcare systems, all of which thrive in California’s dynamic economy and robust public sector. The extensive Trojan alumni network is a significant asset, opening doors in these competitive fields.
While some aspects of data analysis and report generation in policy work face increasing AI integration, your critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and ability to navigate complex stakeholder interests remain invaluable. To capitalize on this, prioritize internships that involve direct engagement with community leaders or policy implementation, not just research. This practical experience in human-centric problem-solving will be your greatest differentiator.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Southern California's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Public Policy Analysis
How University of Southern California stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Southern California
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Southern California, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Public Policy Analysis at University of Southern California
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.