Human Biology at University of Southern California
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
USC's Human Biology program starts graduates at barely above minimum wage—$23,405 in their first year—which ranks in just the 25th percentile among California's seven programs offering this degree. That's concerning given USC's $14,500 median debt and elite admission standards (10% acceptance rate, 1501 average SAT). Compare this to UCLA's human biology grads who earn $33,628 right away, or even UCI's who start at just $12,187 but carry far less debt burden.
The saving grace here is remarkable income growth: earnings nearly triple to $60,367 by year four, suggesting many graduates are successfully pivoting into medical school, graduate programs, or healthcare careers that take time to materialize. This trajectory makes sense for a pre-med heavy program, but it means your family needs a financial plan for those lean early years when loan payments begin but earnings haven't caught up.
The value equation depends entirely on your child's post-graduation path. If they're heading to medical or graduate school, that first-year salary is temporary and the degree serves its purpose as a stepping stone. But if they plan to work immediately after graduation, they'd start behind peers from less selective programs while carrying comparable debt—a tough position that takes years to overcome.
Where University of Southern California Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human biology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Southern California graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Southern California graduates earn $23k, placing them in the 22th percentile of all human biology bachelors programs nationally.
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
Human Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | $23,405 | $60,367 | $14,500 | 0.62 |
| Stanford University | $50,179 | $69,843 | $12,500 | 0.25 |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $33,628 | $73,339 | $12,500 | 0.37 |
| University of California-Irvine | $12,187 | — | $20,900 | 1.71 |
| National Median | $31,690 | — | $17,312 | 0.55 |
Other Human Biology Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University Stanford | $62,484 | $50,179 | $12,500 |
| University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles | $13,747 | $33,628 | $12,500 |
| University of California-Irvine Irvine | $14,237 | $12,187 | $20,900 |
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.
Sample Size: Based on 101 graduates with reported earnings and 214 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.