Architectural Sciences and Technology at University of Southern California

USC's architecture program produces outcomes that sit surprisingly close to the middle of the pack despite the institution's elite reputation and $60,000+ annual price tag. Recent graduates earn just under $48,000—below the national median for architecture programs and exactly matching California's state median. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile statewide, that's largely because California has relatively few architecture programs. Cal Poly SLO graduates earn $58,000 in the same field, showing the salary ceiling isn't constrained by location.

The debt picture offers a rare bright spot at USC: $30,625 is reasonable for any bachelor's degree, and the 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable. Still, parents should weigh this against the total investment. With four years at USC's current tuition, families who don't qualify for substantial aid are paying a significant premium over what Cal Poly charges—for outcomes that lag by $10,000 annually.

This creates an uncomfortable calculation. For students receiving generous financial aid, the moderate debt and USC's broader network might justify enrollment. But for families paying close to sticker price, the math doesn't favor this program when Cal Poly offers superior architecture outcomes at public school pricing. The architectural sciences degree doesn't appear to carry the earnings premium that justifies USC's cost structure the way some of their other programs might.