University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA · Large city
Admissions
- Acceptance rate (most recent year)
- 9.8%
- Applicants (fall 2023)
- 80,808
- Admitted (fall 2023)
- 8,094
- Enrolled freshmen (fall 2023)
- 3,633
- Yield (admitted who enroll)
- 45%
- Acceptance rate – women (fall 2023)
- 9.3%
- Acceptance rate – men (fall 2023)
- 11%
- SAT reading, middle 50%
- 710–760
- SAT math, middle 50%
- 740–790
- ACT composite, middle 50%
- 32–35
- Enrollees who sent SAT / ACT
- 32% / 14%
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey, fall 2023 entering class; test ranges and rate from U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
What they look at
- High school GPA
- required
- High school class rank
- considered
- High school record (transcript)
- required
- College-prep program completed
- required
- Recommendations
- required
- Demonstration of competencies
- required
- SAT/ACT scores
- considered
- English proficiency test (TOEFL etc.)
- required
- Other test
- not considered
- Work experience
- considered
- Personal statement or essay
- required
- Legacy status
- considered
“Considered” means the college uses it if you submit it, but it isn’t required.
What families actually pay
Average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) for first-time, full-time students who got aid, by family income.
- Full sticker price (per year)
- $90,300
- Tuition & fees – in-state
- $72,097
- Tuition & fees – out-of-state
- $72,097
- Median debt at graduation
- $18,000
- Students with federal loans
- 24%
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Outcomes
- Graduate within 6 years
- 92%
- Freshmen who return for year 2
- 96%
- Median earnings, 1 year after graduating
- $63,275
- Median earnings, 10 years after starting
- $92,498
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Students & campus
- Undergraduates
- 20,443
- Graduate students
- 25,936
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- 9 : 1
- Women
- 52%
- Students receiving Pell grants
- 22%
- Full-time faculty
- 59%
Undergraduate diversity
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Most popular majors
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release) (share of bachelor’s degrees awarded)
Contacts & links
- President
- Carol Folt
- Main phone
- (213) 740-2311
- Address
- University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089
How to apply (2026–27)
| Plan | Apply by | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision (binding) | November 1 | mid-December |
| Early Action | November 1 | late January |
| Regular Decision | January 10 | April 1 |
- Apply with
- Common App
- Application fee
- $85 (waivers available)
- SAT/ACT
- Optional
- Recommendations
- 1 letter from counselor or teacher
- Interview
- not offered
Testing: Test-optional; performing arts majors use a December 1 RD deadline, no ED/EA
Financial aid policies
- Meets 100% of demonstrated need
- CSS Profile required (plus FAFSA)
- Merit scholarships: Merit scholarships; apply by November 1 (December 1 for arts majors) to be considered
- Tuition-free for US families earning $80K or less with typical assets
Source: the college’s official website and Common Data Set 2025-2026: admission.usc.edu, provost.usc.edu, affordability.usc.edu, affordability.usc.edu. Dates can change, so always confirm on the college’s site.