University of Southern California

At a glance

Admission rate

9.8%

Total (middle 50%)

1450–1550

Undergraduates

20,443

Setting

City: Large

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Test policy

Test optional Applicants may choose whether to send a score.

USC continues its test-optional policy for first-year applicants for 2027-28 (Fall 2027 entry); SAT/ACT not required but reviewed if sent, and self-reported scores are not accepted. International applicants who use SAT/ACT for English proficiency have those scores used for both purposes. (Verified on the official admissions website on 2026-11-06.)

Policy source: admission.usc.edu

SAT scores

Total (middle 50%)

1450–1550

Reading and Writing

710–760

Math

740–790

Average total

1495

ACT composite (middle 50%)

32–35

The middle 50%: a quarter of admitted students who sent scores scored below the first number, a quarter above the second. The total adds up the two sections' ranges, so it's approximate.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Admissions

Accepts

Common AppCommon Application only; fee amount not stated on the page, fee waiver can be requested via Common App.

Phone

(213) 740-2311

Source: School's page (admission.usc.edu), checked November 6, 2026

Cost

Tuition

$75,162per year

Average net price

$33,056What students who get federal aid pay on average after grants and scholarships, per year.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Outcomes

Graduation rate

90%

First-year retention

96%

Median earnings 10 years after entry

$103,420

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Degrees and programs

Degree levels: undergraduate certificate, bachelor, master, doctoral, first professional, graduate certificate

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Data by Field of Study