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#5 Best Private Colleges in California

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California

 5 Reviews

Overview

Enrollment

48,945
University of Southern California overview
Location Los Angeles, California
Online usc.edu
School Type Private 4 Year
Setting Large City
University of Southern California overview
Size Large
Status Non-profit
On Campus Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate
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The University of Southern California (USC), situated in the urban heart of Los Angeles, California, possesses a storied tradition as a private research institution established in 1880. Acclaimed for its School of Cinematic Arts, Marshall School of Business, and a vibrant interdisciplinary approach across more than 150 undergraduate programs, USC encourages a dynamic academic environment. Its distinguished faculty and highly selective admissions process underscore its status as a leading higher education establishment. The university campus, notable for its historic Romanesque Revival architecture, also offers a comprehensive residential system, housing students in a series of residential colleges designed to integrate living and learning experiences. While not the central focus, USC's athletic program boasts recognition for its Trojan football team within the NCAA Division I.

In the most recent statistical year 69,062 prospective students applied, and 8,304 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 3,420 enrolled in the school.  42,969 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 5,976 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $63,468 plus fees of $1,258. USC is ranked 34 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.

Ratings

10/10

Overall

10/10

Academics

10/10

Resources

9/10

Outcomes

10/10

Value

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

Rankings

Rankings for University of Southern California within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.

Getting In

Admission Standards

Exceptional
University of Southern California overview
SAT 1450/1550
ACT 32/35
GPA 3.83

Applications Accepted

12% 
University of Southern California overview
Applications Due -
Applicant Competition Very High
Application Fee $85

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$63,468
Costs for University of Southern California
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,200
Other Fees$1,258
Room and Board $17,436
Budget for Other Expenses$1,702
Total One Year Cost$85,064

Tuition and financial aid details

Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$85,500 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

90% within 6 years

Explore Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular subjects studied by University of Southern California students
Subject Percent of Class
Business 25%
Social Sciences 15%
Visual and Performing Arts 13%
Communication 9%
Engineering 8%

View All 98 Majors

Other Colleges to Consider 

Students considering USC are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=123961 IPEDS survey data for University of Southern California.

Current students may use the University of Southern California GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.