University of Southern California

10/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
4.2 5 reviews

#5 Best Private Colleges in California

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

46,566

Location Los Angeles, California
Website usc.edu
Type Private 4 Year
Setting Large City

Best Colleges Rank

#37

Size Large
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the University of Southern California (USC) occupies a 226-acre urban campus characterized by Romanesque architecture and Mediterranean Revival style buildings. Founded in 1880, USC stands as Los Angeles' oldest private research university and maintains a highly selective undergraduate admission process. The university is recognized for its academic programs in business, engineering, film, and communication, with the USC School of Cinematic Arts holding particular distinction in the entertainment industry. USC's campus features both traditional dormitories and apartment-style residential colleges, housing a significant portion of undergraduates, while its NCAA Division I athletic program competes in the Pac-12 Conference, with the Trojans football team playing home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

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Ratings

USC is rated within the top 8% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 10 out of 10.

Overall Rating

10 out of 10
Academics

10 out of 10
Resources

10 out of 10
Outcomes

9 out of 10
Value

9 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for University of Southern California within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Exceptional

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1450/1550
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 32/35
GPA 3.83

Acceptance Rate

9.8%

Applications Due -
Enrollment Rate 43.3%
Application Fee $85

Applicant Competition Extreme

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$72,097

Costs for University of Southern California
Fee		Cost
Tuition		$72,097
Books and Supplies		$1,200
Other Fees		$2,193
Room and Board		$19,931
Budget for Other Expenses		$2,006
Total One Year Cost		$97,427

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$85,500 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

90% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at University of Southern California are Business, Social Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. 25% of students major in Business, 15% in Social Sciences, and 13% in Visual and Performing Arts.