About

About University of Southern California

highly selective admissionsstrong arts programsprivate research universityentertainment industry connections

University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles, CA, known for its highly selective admissions, strong arts programs, and private research university. With an acceptance rate of 12%, SC is highly selective, typically enrolling around 3,420 students each year. SC is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1450–1550, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. SC meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants; for families earning under $80,000, the net cost is often $0.

Admissions

University of Southern California acceptance rate and admitted student profile

highly selective

12%
Overall Accept Rate
3.75
Typical Admitted GPA
1500
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.75 – 4.00 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1450 – 1550 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 32 – 35

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of Southern California

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
USC's essays carry the most weight in their review process, so your supplemental responses need to go beyond listing accomplishments. Connect your specific goals to programs, faculty, or opportunities that exist only at USC, like the School of Cinematic Arts curriculum or research centers at your intended college.
Application Strategy
USC admits students to specific schools and programs, not just to the university generally, so frame your application around a clear academic identity that matches the school you are applying to, whether that is the Viterbi School of Engineering, Marshall School of Business, or another college.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What University of Southern California actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: University of Southern California has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $80,000, the average net annual cost is $0. University of Southern California's sticker price of ~$82k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30kOften $0~$82k/yr~$0 / yr
30k-48kOften $0~$82k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75kOften $0~$82k/yr~$0 / yr
75k-110k~$82k/yr$25.0k
110k+~$82k/yr$56.1k

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Personalize this page

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

92%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$74k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
21,893
Undergrad Enrollment
University of Southern California Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch