University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A+

University of Southern California has a 9.9% acceptance rate. University of Southern California is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Los Angeles, CA, with a median SAT of 1500 and a median ACT of 33. The average net price is $32,740 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

9.9%

80,790 applicants

SAT Median

1500

Combined score

ACT Median

33

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$32,740

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at University of Southern California

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at University of Southern California (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)142015001550
ACT (composite, 1–36)313334

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

91.9%

Retention Rate

95.9%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$92,498

Student Body

20,443

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at University of Southern California:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$13,516
$30,001 – $48,000$14,394
$48,001 – $75,000$19,539
$75,001 – $110,000$24,976
$110,000+$56,116

Top Majors at University of Southern California

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing1,346
Visual & Performing Arts681
Social Sciences549
Engineering446
Computer & Information Sciences415
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies402
Communication & Journalism396
Biological & Biomedical Sciences278
Psychology223
Architecture183

Financial Aid at University of Southern California

About University of Southern California

Official website: https://www.usc.edu/

Admissions: https://admission.usc.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Southern California

What is the acceptance rate at University of Southern California?

University of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 10%. it received about 80,790 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1500; the average net price is $32,740 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to University of Southern California for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into University of Southern California?

Getting into University of Southern California is highly competitive — it admits 10% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1500. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at University of Southern California for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for University of Southern California?

Admitted students at University of Southern California typically have a median SAT around 1500 and a median ACT around 33. With a 10% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. University of Southern California is located in Los Angeles, CA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend University of Southern California?

The average net price at University of Southern California is $32,740 per year after grants and scholarships. about 65% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $45,000 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at University of Southern California?

University of Southern California has a graduation rate of 92%. its first-year retention rate is 96%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $92,498. These federal outcome metrics let you compare University of Southern California against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is University of Southern California test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, University of Southern California is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1500. With a 10% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors University of Southern California's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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