University of Southern California Overview

University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1880, USC is renowned for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and significant contributions to research and innovation. The university has a diverse student body and offers extensive opportunities in arts, sciences, engineering, business, and more.

University of Southern California Offered Programs

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Bachelor of Science (BS)
  • Master of Arts (MA)
  • Master of Science (MS)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  • Professional degrees in Law, Medicine, Business, and Cinematic Arts
  • Certificates and Executive Education

University of Southern California Tuition Fees

ProgramTuition Fee (USD per Academic Year)
UndergraduateApproximately $64,000
GraduateApproximately $60,000
Professional (Law, Medicine)Approximately $70,000

University of Southern California Required Documents and Admission Requirements

Applicants must submit official transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT for undergraduates, GRE/GMAT for some graduate programs), letters of recommendation, personal statement or essays, and completed application forms. Some programs require portfolios or interviews. International students must provide English language proficiency scores.

University of Southern California Deadlines

Admission StageDeadline Date
Early ActionNovember 1
Regular DecisionJanuary 15
Graduate Programs ApplicationVaries by program, typically December – March
RegistrationAugust (Fall Semester)

University of Southern California Scholarships Offerings

USC offers a variety of merit-based scholarships, need-based financial aid, departmental awards, and fellowships. Specialized scholarships exist for arts, athletics, diversity, and leadership.

University of Southern California Rankings

Ranking OrganizationNational RankWorld Rank
U.S. News & World ReportTop 25 National Universities112
Times Higher EducationN/A120

University of Southern California Acceptance Rate

USC has a competitive acceptance rate of approximately 13%, reflecting its status as a highly selective institution.

University of Southern California Student Campus Life

USC offers a dynamic campus experience with over 1,000 student organizations, cultural events, sports teams, and recreational activities. Accommodation options include on-campus dormitories, university apartments, and a range of off-campus housing nearby. The campus provides dining halls, health services, fitness centers, and student support services.

University of Southern California Cost of Living

Los Angeles has a relatively high cost of living. Students should plan their budget carefully to cover housing, transportation, food, and personal expenses while enjoying the cultural offerings of the city.

Expense CategoryMonthly Cost (USD)
On-Campus Housing$1,200 – $1,800
Off-Campus Rental$1,000 – $2,000
Food$350 – $500
Transportation$100 – $150
Personal Expenses$200 – $300

University of Southern California Contact Informations

Phone: +1 213-740-2311
Email: admissions@usc.edu
Address: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States

University of Southern California Online Application

Undergraduate applicants apply via the Common Application or Coalition Application. Graduate and professional program applicants use specific online portals tailored to each school within USC, where they can upload documents and track application status.