Private nonprofit Institution

University of Southern California — Los Angeles, California

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Annual Tuition $68,237

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 10%

Most Selective

Enrollment 20,817

Active Students

Avg. Salary $92,498

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Los Angeles, California

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"University of Southern California stands as a pillar of higher education in Los Angeles, providing a robust academic foundation for 20,817 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does University of Southern California offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at University of Southern California. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

23.3%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts

12.1%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

10.3%

Enrollment Share

Engineering

8.7%

Enrollment Share

Communications

8.1%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science

6.7%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at University of Southern California provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at University of Southern California provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at University of Southern California provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at University of Southern California?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 10%

Difficulty Extremely High

University of Southern California maintains an acceptance rate of 10%, reflecting its status as a most selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 48.2%

Women Enrollment 51.8%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 700 - 760

SAT Mathematics 740 - 790

ACT English 34 - 35

ACT Mathematics 30 - 35

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does University of Southern California cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $68,237

Out-of-State Tuition $68,237

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 21.7%

Median Student Debt $18,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $68,237, graduates see a median starting salary of $92,498, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can University of Southern California graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $92,498

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 92%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $31,927

Median Salary (6yr) $74,461

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at University of Southern California in Los Angeles?

20,817 Students

Gender Comparison

48.2% Men

51.8% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

96.5%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Pacific Islander

0.2%

Asian

24.8%

Black

7.1%

White

27.6%

Unknown

1.8%

Hispanic

18.3%

Two or More Races

6.5%

International

13.7%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 20

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First-Generation 24.7%

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Receive Pell Grant 59.3%

💍

Married Students 1.6%

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Retention (Part-time) 50%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$76,787
Average Family Income	$80,335
Median Family Income	$45,149

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

53%

47%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Los Angeles Campus Environment

Located at University Park, University of Southern California offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

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How does University of Southern California compare?

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Common Questions about University of Southern California

Is University of Southern California a good college in Los Angeles, California?

University of Southern California is a recognized institution in Los Angeles with an enrollment of 20,817 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in California.

Is University of Southern California worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $92,498 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does University of Southern California cost for California residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at University of Southern California is approximately $68,237. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $68,237. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of University of Southern California after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending University of Southern California for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 59.3% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is University of Southern California good for Business & Marketing and Visual & Performing Arts programs?

University of Southern California reports program activity in Business & Marketing and Visual & Performing Arts. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending University of Southern California?

Graduates of University of Southern California often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $92,498, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for University of Southern California?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on University of Southern California's official admissions website.

Does University of Southern California require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on University of Southern California's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can University of Southern California graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of University of Southern California earn a median salary of $92,498 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is University of Southern California a good investment compared to other CA colleges?

Compare University of Southern California's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in California to judge value for your goals.

Where is University of Southern California located and what is the campus like?

University of Southern California is located at University Park in Los Angeles, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 20,817 learners.

Who typically attends University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA?

The student body at University of Southern California is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 24.7% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: California

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare University of Southern California with other leading institutions in California across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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