Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of Southern California

USC's electrical engineering program launches graduates into six-figure salaries by year four, but the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers might not tell the full story. That said, starting at nearly $90,000 puts graduates well above the national median of $78,000, and earnings climb steadily to $114,000 within four years—a solid 27% growth trajectory that suggests these engineers are advancing into more senior technical roles.

The California context reveals an interesting pattern. While USC ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile among California engineering programs—and you can see why. Berkeley leads the state at $137,000, and even Cal Poly SLO edges ahead at $91,000. USC's $20,500 median debt is reasonable (below the state median of $19,000 isn't far off), giving graduates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23. However, at this tuition level, many students will carry significantly more debt than this median suggests, particularly those without substantial financial aid.

For families who can afford USC's price tag without excessive borrowing, this program delivers strong outcomes and the networking advantages of a highly selective institution. But if your student is choosing between USC at full cost and a UC or Cal Poly option, the earnings data suggests those alternatives merit serious consideration—especially given that this small sample might not capture the full range of outcomes.