ACCEPTANCE RATE
10%
More selective than 7% 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 7% 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 aid package $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%
Compared with the 89% public-university median.
Undergrad majors
117
Undergraduate majors and programs
CAMPUS LIFE
Campus housing shows how many students live on-campus — which means nearby housing can be essential to the college experience.
On-campus beds
8,500
Housing for approximately 40% of students.
Students needing off-campus housing
28.3K
Estimated from enrollment and reported on-campus housing capacity.
Setting
city
226 campus acres.
IN CONTEXT
How USC compares with officially identified or editorially reviewed peer institutions.
AFTER GRADUATION
What graduates earn and how reliably they land work — the bottom-line return on the degree.
Source: College Scorecard 2023
Median earnings · 10 yrs after entry
$92,498
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 students out-earn the typical high-school graduate — a core measure of mobility.
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. University Apartments is not affiliated with University of Southern California.