CollegeCostWise

Bachelor's · Los Angeles, California

Is Public Policy Analysis at University of Southern California worth it?

Low confidence Low confidence: fewer than 40 graduates behind the earnings figures.

The verdict · all families, in-state, half paid with loans

Pays back in time: graduates typically recover the cost in about 5.1 years.

Earnings 1 year after graduating
$70,544
Treasury AY2020-21, AY2021-22 pooled earnings cohort measured in CY2022, CY2023, inflation adjusted to 2024 dollars
Earnings 4 years after graduating
$80,034
Treasury AY2017-2018, AY2018-2019 pooled earnings cohort measured in CY2022, CY2023, inflation adjusted to 2024 dollars
Typical federal debt at graduation
$16,500
NSLDS pooled AY2022-23, AY2023-24 cohort
Net cost to graduate, all families
$140k (likely $140k – $181k)
AcadYr 2024-25, reported in IPEDS DCY2025-26
Earnings bump, year 4
$40k a year vs high-school graduates aged 25–34 in CA
2023 ACS 5-year pooled, adjusted to 2024 dollars
Payback
5.1 years (likely 3.9–7.2)
Bump vs net cost plus loan interest
10-year net return
$53k (likely −$81k – $195k)
Today's dollars
20-year net return
$541k (likely $270k – $856k)
Today's dollars
Odds of finishing (school-wide)
90%
Fall 2019 or AcadYr 2019-20 cohort (differs by institutional calendar), reported in IPEDS DCY2025-26

Change income, residency or loans Compare Public Policy Analysis at other schools

🍎 Getting ready in high school

Students heading toward teaching & helping people majors like this one often take these classes. Every school offers a different mix, so check with your counselor.

AP classes

  • AP Psychology
  • AP English Language and Composition
  • AP Statistics

IB Higher Level

  • Psychology HL
  • Language A HL

Build my roadmap 🗺️ Middle school to career, plus high schools near you that offer these classes.

Other majors at University of Southern California

Public Policy Analysis at other schools in California