University of Southern California
About University of Southern California
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
USC is a private research university in Los Angeles, California. It is known for its film school, the oldest and most renowned in the country, alongside top programs in business, engineering, communications, and the health sciences.
Founded
1880
Location
Los Angeles, California
Students
46,379
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
9.8%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
91.8%
Above national average
Tuition
$72,097
Per year
Avg Net Price
$32,740
After financial aid
SAT Average
1495
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$92,498
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Most Selective
Only 9.8 out of 100 applicants are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$85
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
With a 9.8% acceptance rate and an average SAT of 1495, University of Southern California is among the most selective schools in the country. Every part of your application needs to stand out.
SAT Scores
1495/ 1600
ACT Scores
34/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
91.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
95.9%
4-Year Grad
79%
6-Year Grad
92%
Teaching Quality
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
59%
$/Student
$49.7K
Class Size
Small
79% graduate in 4 years, and 95.9% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$72,097
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$19,931
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$90,300
After Financial Aid
$32,740
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$13,516
Receive Grants
22.2%
Take Loans
23.6%
Don't let the $72,097 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $32,740 after financial aid, a 55% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $13,516.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Southern California fund their education.
While in School
22.2%
Get Grants
Free money
23.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$45,149
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$18,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$191/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 23.6% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $18,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Southern California.
Gender
52.2%
Female
48%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
20,443
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
25,936
Graduates
24.7%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
60.6%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (52% women, 48% men). 24.7% are first-generation college students. 13.3% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
20,443
Students
private
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Los Angeles offers unmatched career opportunities
- +Powerful Trojan alumni network in entertainment and business
- +Strong athletics and school spirit culture
- +Beautiful campus with impressive facilities
Cons
- -Surrounding neighborhood has safety concerns
- -Very expensive tuition and LA cost of living
- -Campus can feel like a wealthy bubble
- -Greek life is a major part of social life
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Southern California fields 13 varsity teams with 716 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Pacific-12
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
716
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
50% / 50%
356
Men
360
Women
9
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Southern Californiaearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$92,498
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
—
1221 grads
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$72K
832 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$137K
305 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$48K
269 grads
1yr Earnings
Human Biology
$23K
241 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$34K
189 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $74K six years out, climb to $77K by year eight, and reach $92K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Southern California
What is the acceptance rate at University of Southern California?▾
How much does University of Southern California cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Southern California?▾
How much do University of Southern California graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.