University of Southern California — Los Angeles, CA

International Relations and National Security Studies

at University of Southern California · Los Angeles, CA

Strong Value

Solid pick

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $48,625/yr starting out — that's 62% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 7.4 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $33,056/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $138,419 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$95,048/yr

Starting Salary

$48,625

Finish Rate

90.2%

Household Income

$95,048/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $33,056/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $61,992/yr)

4 Years Total

$380,192

Typical Debt

$17,000

Interest You'd Owe

+$6,195

What You'd Really Pay

$138,419

That's about $193/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$486,250

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$138,419

Pays for Itself In

7.4 yrs

Salary Boost

+62%

Ahead After 10 Years

$347,831

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost25.9/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed17.5/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost8.3/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate13.5/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.