Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Southern California

USC's business program delivers exceptional returns that justify its prestigious reputation. Graduates earn a median $71,668 in their first year—57% higher than the national average and 45% higher than California's median for business programs. This places USC in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within California, competing directly with UC Berkeley and other elite programs while maintaining remarkably low debt levels.

The financial picture is outstanding. At just $17,375 in median debt, students graduate with significantly less debt than both national ($26,000) and state ($21,000) averages. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 means graduates can realistically pay off their loans in under three years, and strong earnings growth (+23% by year four) demonstrates the program's long-term value. This combination of high earnings and low debt puts USC in the 95th percentile for favorable debt levels nationally.

For a program at such a selective institution (10% admission rate), these outcomes represent excellent value. The robust sample size gives confidence in these figures, and the program consistently outperforms most California competitors while keeping debt manageable. If your child can gain admission, USC's business program offers elite-level earnings potential without the crushing debt burden often associated with prestigious private universities.