Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Online | usc.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus 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.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
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 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#36 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#36 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#5 in Best Colleges in California
#5 in Best Private Colleges in California
#109 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#13 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1440/1550 |
| ACT | 32/35 |
| GPA | 3.83 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very High |
| Application Fee | $85 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $1,597 |
| Room and Board | $19,198 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,818 |
| Total One Year Cost | $90,453 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 25% |
| Social Sciences | 15% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 13% |
| Communication | 9% |
| Engineering | 8% |
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.
Last updated February 24, 2025