University of Southern California

University Page Tabs

The University of Southern California (USC) is a prestigious private research university located in the heart of Los Angeles. Founded in 1880, USC has grown into one of the largest and most influential universities in the world. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, research, and community engagement, USC offers 250 undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide spectrum of disciplines.

The university is renowned for its world-class faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and vibrant campus life. The University has an acceptance rate of 9.8% for undergraduate students, showcasing a highly selective admission process.

  • Total Enrollment: Approximately 50,000 students
  • Geographic Diversity: Students come from all 50 states and over 130 countries
  • Academic Programs: Over 250 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Research Expenditures: Over $1 billion annually
  • Alumni Network: Over 450,000 alumni worldwide
Established1880
University TypePrivate Research University
University Motto“Let whoever earns the palm bear it”
UG Acceptance Rate9.8%
Faculty to Student Ratio9:1
Campus Size226 acres
Graduation Rate92%
UG Employment Rate64.7%
Contact Details+1 213-740-2311
LocationLos Angeles, California, United States

University of Southern California Ranking

University of Southern California is among the top150 universities in the world. It is ranked at #125 and #72 in the world, according to QS World Ranking and THE rankings respectively. Following are the University of Southern California rankings:

Ranking Agency

Rank

QS World University Rankings

#125

THE World University Rankings

#72

US News National Rankings

#27

Best Value School (US News)

#65

Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (US News)

#30

 

University of Southern California Admissions

University of Southern California (USC) is a highly selective institution, and its admissions process is quite competitive. It’s essential to start preparing early, focusing on academic excellence, building a strong extracurricular profile, and crafting compelling essays.

University of Southern California Courses

The University of Southern California (USC) offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. USC offers a vast array of undergraduate and graduate programs across its 23 schools and divisions. Renowned for its film and television programs, USC’s School of Cinematic Arts is a top choice for aspiring filmmakers.

University of Southern California Courses & Fees

University of Southern California offers over 198 graduate and certificate programs, including doctoral and master’s programs. Following are the top programs at University of Southern California along with their tuition fees:
Programs Total Annual Fees (USD) Total Annual Fees (INR)
Master of Science Marketing 69,210 58.21 Lakh
Master of Science Biomedical Engineering 71,204 59.89 Lakh
Master of Science Computer Science 81,376 68.45 Lakh
Master of Law 65,121 54.77 Lakh
Master of Architecture 94,160 79.20 Lakh
Master of Science Electrical Engineering 71,204 59.89 Lakh
MBA 76,261

University of Southern California Admissions: PG

The minimum admission requirement for masters at University of Southern California is to have a minimum GPA of 3.29 in a related subject with a TOEFL score of 90+. Following are the detailed admission requirements for masters at University of Southern California:
Category Admission Requirements
Application Fee USD 90 (INR 5,417) | B-school: USD 155 (INR 9,330)
GPA Requirement 3.29 on a 4.0 scale (87-89%)
English proficiency test scores
  • TOEFL IBT: 90
  • IELTS: 6.5
Standardized Exam Scores
  • Average GMAT: 732
  • Average GRE: 321
Additional Requirement
  • 3 LOR’s
  • Resume
  • Statement of Purpose

University of Southern California Admissions: UG

The minimum admission requirement for undergraduate programs at University of Southern California is to have a minimum of 80%-85% in a related subject with a TOEFL score of 100+. Following are the detailed admission requirements for bachelors at University of Southern California:
Category Admission Requirements
Application Fee 85 USD (6,460 INR)
Academic Requirement for Indian Students Complete Year X and Year XII state board or CBSE/ICSE exams. A1 and A2 grades or scores above 80.
English proficiency test scores
Standardized Exam Scores Optional
Additional Documents
  • Bank statement
  • Bank letter
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Copy of current passport

University of Southern California Campus

The University of Southern California (USC) has two main campuses:

1. University Park Campus:

  • Location: Located in the heart of Los Angeles, California.
  • Size: Sprawling 226 acres.
  • Features:
    • State-of-the-art academic buildings, libraries, and research facilities.
    • Vibrant residential halls and student housing options.
    • Beautiful green spaces, including the iconic Tommy Trojan statue.
    • Close proximity to popular Los Angeles attractions like the Coliseum and the Natural History Museum.

2. Health Sciences Campus:

  • Location: Located in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles.
  • Size: 79 acres.
  • Features:
    • Dedicated to health sciences education and research.
    • Houses the Keck School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and other health-related programs.
    • State-of-the-art medical facilities and research laboratories.

Both campuses offer a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and exciting opportunities. The close proximity to Hollywood, Silicon Beach, and other major industries provides students with numerous internship and job opportunities.

University of Southern California Campus Safety

USC prioritizes the safety and security of its students, faculty, and staff. The university has a dedicated Department of Public Safety that works around the clock to maintain a safe campus environment. Some of the safety measures in place include:

  • 24/7 Emergency Services: Trained security personnel are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
  • Patrols: Regular foot and vehicle patrols are conducted throughout the campus.
  • Emergency Blue Light Phones: These emergency phones are strategically placed across campus for quick access to help.
  • Security Cameras: A network of security cameras monitors public areas on campus.
  • Safety Education and Training: USC offers various safety training programs for students and staff.

University of Southern California Student Life

USC offers a vibrant and engaging student life experience. With over 1,000 student organizations, there’s something for everyone, from academic clubs and sports teams to cultural and social groups.

Some of the highlights of student life at USC include:

  • Greek Life: USC has a strong Greek life community with numerous fraternities and sororities.
  • Athletics: The USC Trojans compete in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference.
  • Arts and Culture: USC offers a variety of arts and cultural events, including theater, music, and dance performances.
  • Community Service: Students can participate in various community service initiatives.
  • Student Government: Students have a voice in university governance through the Undergraduate Student Government (USG).

Accommodation at University of Southern California

USC offers a variety of housing options for students, including:

  • On-Campus Housing: USC offers a range of residence halls, from traditional dorms to apartment-style housing.
  • Off-Campus Housing: Students may choose to live off-campus in apartments or houses.
  • Greek Housing: Fraternities and sororities offer housing options for their members.

All housing options at USC are located within a short distance of the campus, making it easy for students to get around.

University of Southern California Scholarships

University of Southern California (USC) offers a variety of scholarships for international students to help offset the cost of tuition and fees. While USC doesn’t offer specific scholarships exclusively for international students, there are several avenues to explore:

Merit-Based Scholarships

  • Presidential Scholarships: These prestigious scholarships are awarded to a select group of high-achieving students based on their academic records, test scores, and extracurricular activities.
  • Dean’s Scholarships: These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievement and are awarded to students in specific academic programs.
  • Departmental Scholarships: Individual departments may offer scholarships to exceptional students.

Need-Based Aid

While USC does not offer need-based aid to international students in the same way it does for domestic students, there are other financial aid options to consider:

  • On-Campus Employment: International students may be eligible for on-campus work-study programs.
  • External Scholarships: Exploring external scholarships from your home country or international organizations can be a viable option.

University of Southern California Placements

University of Southern California (USC) has a strong reputation for producing highly sought-after graduates. The university’s career services office provides comprehensive support, including resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies. The following table shows the data for University of Southern California Undergraduate Student Career Outcomes:
Particular Dates
UG Employed 64.7%
Continuing Education 22.7%
Seeking Employment 6.8%
Median Starting Salary 85,000 USD
Top Employers
  1. University of Southern California
  2. EY
  3. Deloitte
  4. Amazon
  5. PwC
  6. Microsoft
  7. KPMG

University of Southern California Graduate Salary

Job Title Range Average
Software Engineer $77k – $143k $113,946
Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General) $64k – $133k $80,627
Senior Software Engineer $107k – $194k $149,535
Mechanical Engineer $67k – $117k $89,183
Marketing Director $68k – $180k $119,412
Marketing Manager $63k – $127k $85,385
Electrical Engineer $84k – $154k $100,704

University of Southern California Alumni

As of 2023, the University of Southern California has over 485,000 alumni worldwide. This strong and diverse alumni network continues to grow each year. This extensive network provides numerous benefits to its members, including networking opportunities, career advancement, philanthropic opportunities and social and cultural connections.

University of Southern California Notable Alumni

Name

Profession

Neil Armstrong

Astronaut

George Lucas

Filmmaker

Ron Howard

Filmmaker, Actor

Steven Spielberg

Filmmaker

Judd Apatow

Comedian, Filmmaker

Will Ferrell

Comedian, Actor

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Actor, Producer

John Wayne

Actor

Tom Selleck

Actor

Forest Whitaker

Actor, Filmmaker

Robert Zemeckis

Filmmaker

Location of University of Southern California

Frequently Asked Questions Section

Frequently asked questions

What is the acceptance rate for international students at USC?

The University of Southern California (USC) doesn’t provide a specific acceptance rate for international students. However, the overall acceptance rate for USC is 10%.

What are the average SAT or ACT scores for admitted international students? 

While test scores are optional for many applicants, those who submit typically have strong scores. A competitive SAT score is around 1400-1550, and for the ACT, it’s around 32-35.

What are the most popular majors among international students at USC? 

Popular majors for international students at USC include:

  • Business Administration
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Cinema and Television Arts
  • Economics

What is the student-faculty ratio at USC?

USC maintains a student-faculty ratio of approximately 9:1, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship.

What is the cost of attendance for international students at USC?

The cost of attendance for international students at USC typically ranges from $75,000 to $85,000 per year, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses.

What is the visa process for international students applying to USC? 

After receiving an acceptance letter, international students will need to apply for an F-1 student visa. The university will provide you with an I-20 form, which is essential for the visa application process.

What are the cultural attractions in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles offers a wide range of cultural attractions, including:

  • Hollywood
  • Disneyland
  • Universal Studios
  • Museums (LACMA, Getty Center)
  • Beaches
Copyright © Nomad Study Abroad Consultant Private Limited. All Rights Reserved 2025.