About

University Type

Private

University Type

US News National rank

28

US News National rank

Average Living Expenses

$89,262

Average Living Expenses

The University of Southern California (USC) is a prestigious private research university located in Los Angeles, California. Established in 1880, it holds the distinction of being the oldest private research university in the state of California.

What is the Acceptance rate of the University of Southern California?

The University of Southern California acceptance rate is 12.5%.

The University of Southern California offers a diverse range of academic programs, including 22 undergraduate majors as well as graduate and professional courses. These programs cover a wide array of fields, encompassing disciplines such as liberal arts, engineering, and technology.

What is the Annual Tuition fee at the University of Southern California?

The annual tuition fee at the University of Southern California for international students for the UG course is approximately $36,986 or INR 30.84 Lakh and for the PG course, it is approximately $23,423 or INR 19.53 Lakh.

With a commitment to excellence in education, the University of Southern California provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that fosters intellectual growth and critical thinking. Its faculty members are renowned experts in their respective fields, ensuring that students receive a top-quality education. 

What is the University of Southern California GPA Requirement?

The University of Southern California does not have a minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate admission but the admitted students have a GPA of 3.87 or higher. 

Top Reasons to Study in the University of Southern California

  • Academic Excellence: University of Southern California offers a wide range of programs taught by accomplished faculty, ensuring a high-quality education.
  • Financial Aid: University of Southern California provides significant financial aid opportunities, with a budget of $773.4 million, to support students in managing tuition costs.
  • Extensive Alumni Network: With over 450,000 living alumni, the University of Southern California offers valuable networking and mentorship opportunities for future career advancement.
  • Diversity: the University of Southern California fosters a diverse and inclusive community, preparing students to thrive in a globalized world.
  • Prime Location: Located in Los Angeles, the University of Southern California provides access to thriving industries and cultural hubs, creating unique internship and job placement opportunities.

Courses

Cost of Studying at University of Southern California

Average tuition fee

Premium

0 Cost, 100% Coverage, Quick Funds
Just fill in your preferences ad to-do! Reach the best loan offer with Loan Finder

5000+ Students

Availed education loan

3000+ Cr

Loan amount sanctioned

100% Free

Assistance for loan process


Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$87,504

Average living expenses (Masters)

$89,262

Average on-campus living expenses

$20,864

Average off-campus living expenses

$20,864

Admissions at The University of Southern California

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

13%

Application Fee

$75 - $155


How to Apply at University of Southern California

  1. Online Application: Start by completing the online application form available on the official University of Southern California website or fill it out on Common Application. 
  2. Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee of $85 for undergraduates or $90 for graduates.
  3. Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all secondary schools and colleges attended. These should be sent directly to the University of Southern California from the issuing institutions.
  4. Test Scores: Arrange for official standardized test scores, such as the SAT ACT, GRE, or GAT to be sent. The University of Southern California also accepts international examination results like the TOEFL or IELTS for non-native English speakers.
  5. Letters of Recommendation: Request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and personal qualities. 
  6. Personal Statement/Essays: Craft compelling personal statements that showcase your achievements, experiences, goals, and reasons for choosing the University of Southern California.
  7. Optional Materials: Some programs may require additional materials, such as portfolios, audition tapes, or writing samples. 
  8. Financial Aid: If you are seeking financial aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CSS Profile by the specified deadline. 
  9. Submit Application: Review your application thoroughly before submitting it online. Ensure all required documents, including transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters, have been sent to the University of Southern California.

Documents Required to Apply to University of Southern California

For undergraduates students: 

  • Overall Application
  • Official Transcripts
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Portfolio/Resume/Interviews (if requires by program)
  • Standardized Test Scores
  • English Proficiency Scores
  • Financial Documents 
  • Passport Copies

 

For graduates students: 

  • Overall Application
  • Official Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume or CV
  • Portfolio/Writing Samples (if requires by the program)
  • Standardized Test Scores
  • English Proficiency Scores
  • Financial Documents 
  • Passport Copies

Exams Accepted By University of Southern California

Below are the minimum requirements for exams accepted by the University of Southern California (USC):

  • TOEFL (iBT): 100
  • IELTS: 7
  • PTE: 68
  • DET: 130
  • SAT: 650
  • ACT: 27
  • GRE: 303
  • GMAT: 708
  • LSAT: 168
  • MCAT: 517

college finder

College Finder

Know universities that fit you best!

Take us through your profile, study preferences, strengths, and weaknesses and we’d find you universities that are tailor made for you, instantly!

Rankings for The University of Southern California

US News Ranking

#28

US News National rank

The World University Rankings

#74

The World University Rankings

QS World University Rankings

#125

QS World University Rankings


More rankings for this university

View More Rankings

Students University of Southern California

6,742

Yocketers applied

4,130

Yocketers admitted

17,993

Yocketers interested


The Secret Formula to getting an admit here?

We know it! That’s why - Every 2 out of 3 Premium Yocketers have been successful!

Premium Yocketer profiles

Saurav Kumar Gupta

Saurav Kumar Gupta

Analytics

Spring 2025

Raunak Mantri

Raunak Mantri

Applied Data Science

Spring 2025

Aryamann Tomar

Aryamann Tomar

Computer Science -Data Science

Spring 2025

Tarun Sampathkumar

Tarun Sampathkumar

Computer Science

Fall 2025


International Students

% of international students in the university

26.6

Total International Students in the university

13056


Alumni at University of Southern California

Here are some notable alumni from the University of Southern California (USC):

  • Dan Bane – Dan Bane is the Chairman and CEO of Trader Joe's, a popular American chain of grocery stores known for its unique products and customer experience.
  • Tom Barrack– Tom Barrack is the CEO of Colony Capital, a global investment firm focused on real estate and private equity.
  • Marc Benioff – Marc Benioff is the founder and CEO of Salesforce.com, a leading cloud-based software company. 
  • Douglas G. Bergeron – Douglas G. Bergeron is the CEO of VeriFone, a company specializing in electronic payment solutions. 
  • Robert D. Beyer -- Robert D. Beyer is a former CEO of TCW Group, an investment management firm. He has a strong background in finance and has made significant contributions to the industry throughout his career.
  • Carson Block – Carson Block is an investor and the founder of Muddy Waters Research, a renowned investment research firm known for its investigative approach. 

Yocket’s Counsel

Meet Our Counsellors

We got a team of 50+ experienced counsellors ready to help you!

Related Discussion for the Universities

Ask, post and discuss!

Have a question? Ask and discuss with your fellow aspirants!

Aditya Dhage
Aditya Dhage

2 months ago

Transferring lease - CITYPARK APARTMENTS USC for an Indian Male! $712.50/m 2B2B apt., shared spot. 01/Sep/24 - 31/Jul/24
#usc #unitedstates #msinusa #apartments #losangeles SUBLEASE @ CITYPARK Apartments Subleasing an Indian male(Strictly Vegetarian) shared spot room for September 1st 2024 - JULY 31st 2025 (1 Year, Ne...
Show more
LikeCount 1 Like
CommentButton Comment
Udish Kumar
Udish Kumar

4 months ago

WhatsApp Group for Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 University of Southern California (USC) intakes?
Please provide links for those whatsapp groups.
LikeCount 1 Like
CommentButton 1 Comment
Sushma V
Sushma V

4 months ago

USC MS CS Spring 2025 Should I go for it or not?
LikeCount Like
CommentButton Comment
Sushma V
Sushma V

4 months ago

USC spring 25 admits Is it worth considering USC given its high tution fee and current market situation????
Given its high cost of living and current market scenario is it worth going to University of Southern California? #USC #Spring 2025
LikeCount Like
CommentButton 1 Comment
Sonal Gehlot
Sonal Gehlot

5 months ago

University at Buffalo, Fall'24 OR USC, Spring'25
I am going to the University at Buffalo in Fall 2024 for MSCS. But I just got an admission from the University of Southern California(USC) for spring 2025. Is it worth waiting?
LikeCount Like
CommentButton 1 Comment

Reviews for University of Southern California

Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
2

Campus locations
California

View on Google Earth


Transportation in the city

  1. USC Lyft Rides: the University of Southern California offers Lyft rides for convenient and personalized commuting, including carpooling and vanpooling options, reducing costs and promoting a flexible transportation experience.
  2. Carpool & Vanpool: Commuters at the University of Southern California can opt for carpooling and vanpooling, sharing rides with others traveling in the same direction, reducing individual transportation costs, traffic congestion, and carbon emissions.
  3. Public transportation: The city's well-developed network of buses and trains provides reliable and affordable travel options, facilitating efficient mobility and reducing reliance on private vehicles.
  4. Walking: University of Southern California’s pedestrian-friendly streets and sidewalks encourage residents to embrace walking as a mode of transportation, promoting exercise, community engagement, and a healthier lifestyle.

Services offered by the university

  • Career Services: the University of Southern California offers career counseling, resume building, job search assistance, interview preparation, and networking opportunities.

 

  • Counseling & Mental Health Services: University of Southern California provides confidential support and counseling for stress, anxiety, depression, and academic challenges.
  • Financial Aid: University of Southern California assists students with scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
  • Student Health: University of Southern California offers general medical care, preventative services, immunizations, reproductive health care, and access to specialists.
  • Transportation & Parking Services: the University of Southern California provides parking permits, carpooling programs, bike-sharing initiatives, and shuttle services.
  • SCampus: A centralized resource for student-related university policies, ensuring transparency and clarity.

Student life at University of Southern California

  • University Park Campus: The University Park Campus, located three miles south of Downtown Los Angeles, offers a vibrant cultural community and an engaging academic environment on a 226-acre campus.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: the University of Southern California provides advanced facilities to support student's academic success and well-being. This includes 23 technology-enhanced campus libraries designed for studying, research, and multimedia production.
  • Athletic Facilities: The campus boasts a main gym covering 21,800 sq. ft., equipped for basketball, badminton, and volleyball. There's also a modern weight room, racquetball and squash courts, and opportunities for participation in Intramural Sports, Club Sports Teams, and Recreational Interest Clubs.
  • Organizations and Clubs: With a wide range of options, the University of Southern California offers over 960 student organizations catering to academic, professional, social, recreational, artistic, cultural, and community service interests.

On campus accomodation at University of Southern California

Approximately 35% of the student population chooses to stay in on-campus accommodation at The University of Southern California

  • For first-year undergraduate students, residence halls, suites, and apartments are available. Some of the famous residence halls are Marks Tower and Pardee Tower. Apartments include Annenberg House, Parkside Apartments, Troy Hall, La Sorbonne, and Webb Tower. 
  • For graduate students, accommodations are available in Annenberg House, Centennial, Fairmount, Hillview, Severance Street Apartments, Troy East, University Regent, Twin Palm, etc.
  • Gender-inclusive accommodation facilities in the Cardinal Gardens and Century area are available for LGBTQ+ students. 
  • Undergraduate freshmen residing in residence halls must opt for the mandatory complete meal (cardinal) plan. On the other hand, undergraduate sophomores and seniors must take the partial meal plan (apartment plan).

Read More

Faculty Information

Jobs and Opportunities

FAQ

1. What is the University of Southern California Acceptance rate?

The University of Southern California's acceptance rate is 12.5%.

2. What is the University of Southern California IELTS requirement?

The minimum score required in IELTS is 7.0 by the University of Southern California. 

3. Which are the most popular USC graduate programs?

The USC graduate programs which are popular among international students are as follows:

Business & Management
Computer and Information Sciences
Marketing
Journalism

4. Where is the University of Southern California Campus located?

The University of Southern California is located in the heart of Los Angeles, California 90007, USA.