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Private University

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, is a vibrant, private nonprofit institution known for its academic excellence and diverse student community.

10%ACCEPTANCE
$41,496AVG NET PRICE
92%GRAD RATE
47.1KSTUDENTS
University data profileIPEDS 2023
University of Southern California campus
Los Angeles, CAcity 226 acres

THE SIGNATURE

University of Southern California Report Card

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.

AT A GLANCE
TypePrivateFour or more years
Founded1880
Settingcity 226 acres
Calendarsemester

GETTING IN

Admissions

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.

SelectiveAccessible

SAT RANGE (MID 50%)

1,440–1,550

4001600

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Jan 10regular

Early Action Nov 1

Undergraduate application fee $85.

WHAT IT COSTS

Cost & Financial Aid

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

$15,470
$0–$30,000
$13,692
$30,001–$48,000
$18,993
$48,001–$75,000
$29,865
$75,001–$110,000
$56,347
$110,001+

AVERAGE NET PRICE AFTER AID

$41,496/yr

▲ 59% since 2020-2169% receive grants or scholarships

Average grant or scholarship aid $44,920.

IN THE CLASSROOM

Academics

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

MOST POPULAR FIELDS OF STUDY

Share of bachelor's degree completions, not of all enrolled students.

Management Science.23.3%
Computer Science.5.8%
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.5%
Human Biology.4.5%
Psychology, General.3.3%
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.3%

CAMPUS LIFE

Campus & Housing

Reported capacity of institution-controlled housing and campus setting. Capacity does not indicate how many students currently live in university housing.

University of Southern California campus and student housing

University-controlled housing capacity

8,500

Includes institution-controlled housing; it may extend beyond campus.

Setting

city 226 acres

AFTER GRADUATION

Student outcomes

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.

Neighborhoods near USC

Where students live around University of Southern California — vibe, walkability, and commute at a glance.

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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.