US News National Universities: #23 (2016) → #27 (2025)
↓ 4 spots
About USC
University of Southern California is a private university in Los Angeles, CA with 52,694 students. Its 10.0% acceptance rate places it among America's most selective universities. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Visual/Performing Arts, and Social Sciences.
With an acceptance rate of 10.0%, USC is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
Your Profile
USC Is...
What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application
Match
Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths
Reach
Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA
Hard Reach
Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates
USC True Cost by Family Income
22% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating USC enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
vs Sticker Price
$0-30k
$8,200
$32,800
-87%
$30-48k
$10,600
$42,400
-83%
$48-75k
$18,400
$73,600
-71%
$75-110k
$30,200
$120,800
-52%
$110k+
$57,800
$231,200
-9%
USC Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
Program
US Rank
USC Salary
National Median
Premium
Computer Science
—
$108,750
$75,000
+45%
Engineering
#12
$104,400
$72,000
+45%
Mathematics & Statistics
—
$89,900
$62,000
+45%
Engineering Technologies
—
$84,100
$58,000
+45%
Business
#14
$79,750
$55,000
+45%
Health Professions
—
$75,400
$52,000
+45%
Architecture
—
$69,600
$48,000
+45%
Physical Sciences
—
$69,600
$48,000
+45%
Social Sciences
—
$65,250
$45,000
+45%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
—
$60,900
$42,000
+45%
Biological Sciences
—
$60,900
$42,000
+45%
Homeland Security & Law Enforcement
—
$60,900
$42,000
+45%
Communication & Journalism
#3
$58,000
$40,000
+45%
History
—
$58,000
$40,000
+45%
Natural Resources & Conservation
—
$58,000
$40,000
+45%
Philosophy & Religious Studies
—
$55,100
$38,000
+45%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics
—
$55,100
$38,000
+45%
Public Administration & Social Services
—
$55,100
$38,000
+45%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies
—
$55,100
$38,000
+45%
Psychology
—
$52,200
$36,000
+45%
English Language & Literature
—
$52,200
$36,000
+45%
Visual & Performing Arts
—
$49,300
$34,000
+45%
Popular Majors at USC
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Business/Marketing
22.4%
Visual/Performing Arts
12.1%
Social Sciences
10.8%
Engineering
8.3%
Communication
8.2%
Computer Science
6.8%
Multidisciplinary
6.7%
Biological Sciences
4.1%
Psychology
3.5%
Architecture
3.2%
Mathematics/Statistics
2.6%
Health Professions
2.3%
Student Demographics
White
28.2%
Black/African American
6.1%
Hispanic/Latino
16.5%
Asian
23.3%
International
14.2%
What USC Looks For in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
★★★★★ Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
★★★★★ Very Important
Class Rank
★★★ Considered
Standardized Test Scores
★★★ Considered
Application Essay
★★★★★ Very Important
Recommendation
★★★★ Important
Extracurricular Activities
★★★★ Important
Talent Ability
★★★★★ Very Important
Character Personal Qualities
★★★★ Important
First Generation
★★★ Considered
Alumni Relation
★★★ Considered
Interview
★★ Not Considered
Work Experience
★★★ Considered
Volunteer Work
★★★ Considered
Financial Aid & Student Debt
22.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$63,400
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About USC
What is USC's acceptance rate?
USC has an acceptance rate of 10.0%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for USC?
The middle 50% SAT range at USC is 1440-1550. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 32-35. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at USC?
The most popular majors at USC by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (22.4%), Visual/Performing Arts (12.1%), Social Sciences (10.8%), Engineering (8.3%), Communication (8.2%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
Can I transfer to USC?
USC accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.
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