Understanding Cost-of-Living Expenses for USC Graduate Student Workers

11/10/23

Cost-of-living comparisons are more complex than they seem.

At USC, we care deeply about our graduate students and ensuring they are supported both as students and as significant contributors to our teaching and research mission. USC’s latest proposal to the union includes stipend increases of 13% over four years and several benefits not offered by peer institutions.

The total compensation package offered to graduate student workers offsets many costs typically included in cost-of-living expenses, including childcare, healthcare, transportation (and tuition!).

Plus, USC graduate students are full-time students working 20 hours a week in research and teaching related to their studies. Cost-of-living calculations assume a full-time worker at 40 hours a week.