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University of Southern California

USC

Los Angeles, California 90089

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Campus Vibe

Large campusUrbanSports culture

Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings

University of Southern California is a private institution in Los Angeles with particular strength in business and engineering. With an average SAT of 1501, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.

A large campus of 20.8K undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

92% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $92,498 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $31,927.

Established
1880
Motto
Latin: Palmam qui meruit ferat
Mascot
TravelerTommy Trojan (unofficial)
Type
Private research university
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

118 upcoming visits · Next: Thu, Apr 9 · Campus Tour
10%Acceptance
1501SAT Avg
20,817Students
9:1Student:Faculty
92%Grad Rate
$92,498Earnings 10yr
$31,927Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

University of Southern California Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate10.0%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1501

Reading & WritingMid: 720
700760
MathMid: 755
740790

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 34
3235

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

10.0%

Trend

SAT Avg

1501

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$68,237
Room & Board$19,198
Books & Supplies$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance$84,678
Average Net Price$31,927
Median Debt at Graduation$18,000
Monthly Payment (10yr)$191

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$15,470
$30–48K$13,692
$48–75K$18,993
$75–110K$29,865
$110K+$56,347

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$31,927

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

7500.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$16,112

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

159

Peer Average

240

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Programs (341)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
20,817
Gender Split
52% / 48%
Women / Men
First Generation
25%
Pell Grant Recipients
22%

Race & Ethnicity

White 28%
Black 7%
Hispanic 18%
Asian 25%
Two+ 6%
Int'l 14%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate92.0%
Freshman Retention96.5%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$74,461
8 Years$87,601
10 Years$92,498

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$81,200
Men
$98,600

Rankings

U.S. News
#28
Wall Street Journal
#29
Washington Monthly
#181

More About This School

Varsity Sports

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

163Very High

Estimated from CA state average + large city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 5"Sunny days: 250Rainy days: 75

Nearest Cities

Los Angelespop. 3.9M
3 mi(5 min)
San Diegopop. 1.4M
111 mi(192 min)
San Franciscopop. 870K
348 mi(603 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

University of Southern California Application Checklist

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