ACCEPTANCE RATE
10%
More selective than 93% of listed universities.
The University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, is a vibrant, private nonprofit institution known for its academic excellence and diverse student community.
THE SIGNATURE
Explore university facts, programs, and campus life at a glance.
The University of Southern California (USC) is a prestigious private nonprofit four-year institution founded in 1880 and situated in the heart of Los Angeles, California. It boasts a diverse population of over 47,000 students, offering a stimulating environment that encourages academic and personal growth through pioneering research opportunities and a commitment to inclusiveness.
USC is celebrated for its strong academic programs and a rich tradition in athletics. Students at USC benefit from access to numerous resources and support systems designed to enhance their educational journey. The location in Los Angeles provides vibrant student life, with endless opportunities for cultural experiences, internships, and engagement within various industries, making it an exciting place to live and study.
GETTING IN
The admissions process at USC is highly selective, featuring an acceptance rate of 10%. The university receives a substantial number of applications, with over 80,000 prospective students vying for admission each year, reflecting its esteemed status in higher education.
Source: IPEDS 2023
ACCEPTANCE RATE
10%
More selective than 93% of listed universities.
SAT RANGE (MID 50%)
1,440–1,550
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Early Action Nov 1
Undergraduate application fee $85.
WHAT IT COSTS
Sticker price tells you little — net price after aid is what most families actually pay.
Source: IPEDS 2023
IN-STATE TUITION & FEES
$68,237/yr
Out-of-state: $68,237/yr.
Net price by income band
AVERAGE NET PRICE AFTER AID
$41,496/yr
Average grant or scholarship aid $44,920.
IN THE CLASSROOM
USC is recognized for its strong academic programs and research opportunities, emphasizing innovative education across various disciplines. With 117 undergraduate majors available, the university prepares students to excel in their chosen fields and contribute to meaningful advancements in society.
Source: IPEDS 2023
Student–faculty ratio
9:1
60.4% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
6-year graduation rate
92%
▲ 0 pts since 2016
First-year retention
97%
Median across 34 institutions in our national dataset: 89%.
Bachelor-level fields offered
117
Bachelor-level fields reported as offered in IPEDS
Share of bachelor's degree completions, not of all enrolled students.
CAMPUS LIFE
Reported capacity of institution-controlled housing and campus setting. Capacity does not indicate how many students currently live in university housing.
University-controlled housing capacity
8,500
Includes institution-controlled housing; it may extend beyond campus.
Setting
city 226 acres
AFTER GRADUATION
Earnings and employment of former students after entering the university.
Source: College Scorecard 2023
Median earnings · 10 yrs after entry
$92,498
Median earnings of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Working after 10 yrs
87.8%
Share of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Earning more than a high-school graduate
87.8%
87.8% of former students earn above the Scorecard high-school earnings threshold, ten years after entry.
Where students live around University of Southern California — vibe, walkability, and commute at a glance.
Data Sources: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS, National Center for Education Statistics, and College Scorecard. University Apartments is not affiliated with University of Southern California.