Computer Engineering at University of Southern California
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (31 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | — | $115,102 | $9,500 | — |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $111,560 | $122,307 | $20,556 | 0.18 |
| Santa Clara University | $103,804 | $159,782 | $24,666 | 0.24 |
| University of California-Davis | $96,418 | $120,745 | $12,804 | 0.13 |
| University of California-San Diego | $96,256 | $126,160 | $18,497 | 0.19 |
| University of California-Santa Barbara | $91,387 | $114,658 | $14,410 | 0.16 |
| National Median | $78,952 | — | $24,500 | 0.31 |
Other Computer Engineering Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $111,560 | $20,556 |
| Santa Clara University Santa Clara | $59,241 | $103,804 | $24,666 |
| University of California-Davis Davis | $15,247 | $96,418 | $12,804 |
| University of California-San Diego La Jolla | $15,265 | $96,256 | $18,497 |
| University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara | $14,965 | $91,387 | $14,410 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Southern California, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.