How Much Does USC Cost and is it Worth it?

Is anyone familiar with the full cost to attend USC? I'm talking tuition, room and board, books, the entire shebang. But more than that, did you guys feel the education and experience was worth the price tag? Looking for some insight from Trojans.

USC is definitely among the more expensive schools out there. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition is about $69,904. Room and board costs are also considerable - averaging around $19,930 per year. For books and supplies, you can budget something in the vicinity of $1,200, and on top of these costs, there are some additional university fees which come to about $1,743.

Travel and personal expenses will vary greatly depending on individual circumstances, but a safe bet is to earmark around $2,000 for these. So, to give you a ballpark figure, total costs would come close to $95,000 per year. Make sure you use the school's net price calculator to get a more personalized estimate: https://financialaid.usc.edu/undergraduate-financial-aid/calculate-your-costs/.

Whether it's worth it or not is admittedly a tough question to answer without more context. Many students rave about the academics and the "Trojan Network" of alumni, which could provide valuable networking opportunities. Be sure to weigh the costs against your intended major, career goals, and your financial situation. It's also crucial to consider scholarship and financial aid opportunities when assessing the total cost.

But, you must also consider your financial circumstance and the prospect of student loan debt. It may not always be the best decision to take on significant debt, especially if you're pursuing fields where starting salaries are typically lower. It's certainly a complex decision and requires careful thought and analysis.