USC
USC at a Glance
Average SAT & ACT Scores for USC
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading | 700 | 760 | 730 |
| SAT Math | 740 | 790 | 765 |
| SAT Total | 1440 | 1550 | 1495 |
| ACT Composite | 32 | 35 | 33 |
Admissions Funnel
| Applications Received | 80,808 |
| Students Admitted | 8,094 |
| Students Enrolled | 3,633 |
| Yield Rate | 44.9% |
USC Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #27 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #89 | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | #62 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #58 | 2024 |
USC Overview
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.
| Full Name | University of Southern California |
| Location | Los Angeles, CA 90089 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | usc.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 52,694 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 22,628 |
| Female Students | 51.7% |
USC Housing & Dorms: Cost Breakdown
Should You Live On or Off Campus at USC?
USC has 8,500 on-campus beds for 22,628 undergrads — that's enough for about 38% of the undergraduate population. On-campus housing is competitive. Plan to explore off-campus options early.
On-Campus
- Walk to classes — no commute
- Meal plan included
- Built-in community and social life
- Utilities, wifi, and furniture included
Off-Campus
- Potentially cheaper (varies by city)
- More privacy and independence
- Cook your own meals — save on food
- Need to budget for utilities and transport
USC Campus & Location
USC is located in Los Angeles, CA — classified as City: Large. Students have access to a major metro area with extensive dining, entertainment, internship, and public transit options.
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.
Student Demographics
How to Get Into USC
USC is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1495+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, USC wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
What USC Values Most 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 |
USC Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the USC EA admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Action | Nov 1 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 15 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Mar 4 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About USC
More About USC
Other Colleges in CA
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. USC is not affiliated with DeepColleges.