University of Southern California

USC is one of the world’s leading private research universities and its acceptance rate is proof of the same. When it comes to admission, then University of Southern California is very selective. The University of Southern California acceptance rate reported for is just 11.2%. There were a total of 83,488 freshman applicants at USC, out of which admitted students were 9,345. The average unweighted GPA for entering freshman class reported is 3.68-3.95. Since USC is highly selective when it comes to admissions, students must have good scores. 

University of Southern California ranking in National Universities category ranking 2026 edition is 28. It is a leading private research university and is among the top higher education institutions in California. USC acceptance rate is low. For 2025, acceptance rate of this university is 11.2%. An overview of acceptance rate and number of applications is given below:

Year

No. of Applications

Students Admitted

Admit Rate

2024

82,027

8,050

9.8%

2023

80,790

8,032

9.9%

2022

69,062

8,168

12%

2021

71,031

8,884

12.5%

2020

59,712

9,618

16.1%

Yes USC is distinguished R1 University that provides  wide range of academic degrees. The university is classified among R1 – Doctoral Universities with a very high research activity. It has more than $1 billion annual research expenditures, with the largest programme in Engineering, Science, and Health of all private research universities.   

The total no. of students at USC is 46,000+. For Fall 2025, the total no. of international students enrolled is 11,959. Out of this, the total no. of Indian students enrolled is 2,136. Indian is placed at #2 position from where the students at USC hail from. 

Yes, most of the USC MBA admitted students have the work experience. The university recommends that applicants have a minimum of 2 years of work experience. To prove this, generally, the university requires students to submit a resume of one page. According to the Class profile of Fall 2024 for this course, the average years of work experience was 5.5 and the average age was 29 of the admitted students.

After submitting USC University application for UG course, students must complete following admission steps-

• Commit to enroll at USC
• Then complete financial aid application
• Next, apply for housing and activate USC NetID
• Complete health requirements, and at the last, review international student requirements

In the case of UG admission, USC conducts a holistic review of the application to consider the academic and personal achievements. The things that are taken into consideration are:

• The performance in the school
• Writing skills
• Test scores (if submitted)
• Personal qualities

Most USC UG admitted students showcase superior academic performance and the potential to do more. These admitted students are ranked in the Top 10% of their graduating class, and their median standardized test score (if submitted) is in the Top 5% of all test-takers.

All international applicants at the University of Southern California have to submit English language proficiency scores. The scores accepted are IELTS / TOEFL / PTE for admission to UG courses. The most competitive applicants at USC have English language proficiency scores that are higher than the specified minimums. For example, the average TOEFL score is above 111, with a score of 25 in each section. The minimum scores required for admission to UG courses are:

Tests

Minimum Score

TOEFL

100 and no less than score of 20 in each section

IELTS

7

PTE

68

The <a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/usa/universities/university-of-southern-california/masters-of-music-in-screen-scoring" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Master of Music Scoring course of the University of Southern California</a> is a 9-month course designed for composers who want to work in the music industry. No auditions are required for admission to USC Master of Music course. Students must have an UG degree for admission to this course. An application fee for USD 105 has to be paid too along with the academic transcripts, resume, LOR, etc. 

USC has seen a substantial growth in enrollment from Indian students in the areas Regulatory Science and Pharmacy, Law, Arts and Gaming. USC has close to 2,700 Indian students up to 35% compared to the Pre-Covid 19 pandemic levels, with a majority of them concentrated in Engineering disciplines. USC’s President Folt has said a fourth of the university’s students are international, and 25% is made up of Indian students. Majority of students enroll in Engineering disciplines, but now they are going to study Health Sciences, Business programs, etc.

The most competitive applicants of USC have the following scores (higher than the minimums). Here are the recommended scores - 

USC rich alumni network include 500,000+ members worldwide. The university alumni network include leaders, innovators, mentors, etc. Some most popular alumni at USC are Judd Apatow, Forest Whitaker, George Lucas, Neil Armstrong, etc. 

Here are the Nobel Laureates of USC: 

Names

Year

Angus Deaton (Economics)

2015

Arieh Warshel (Chemistry)

2013

James Heckman (Economics)

2000

Daniel McFadden (Economics)

2000

George Olay (Chemistry)

1994

Murrah Gell-Mann (Physics)

1969

On-campus employment is allowed for international students at USC. F1 students can work up to 20 hours a week during the Spring and Fall semesters. During the breaks, students can work 40 hours a week (full-time) during the semester breaks. A lot of international students apply for the following positions:

• Bookstore
• Libraries
• Department of Public Safety
• Transportation Services
• Hospitality Services

The average salary of the USC MBA graduates was USD 142,184 (INR 1.36 Cr.). According to the facts, 71% of the full-time MBA students are employed within 90 days of graduation. A few of the top employers of MBA Class of 2025 include-

• Amazon
• EY
• Microsoft
• PwC
• Deloitte
• Adobe
• Capital One

For the Class of 2025, USC MBA placement rate is 71%, within 3 months of graduation. The average salary of the MBA graduates is USD 142,184 (Around INR 1.36 Cr.) and the signing bonus is USD 35,896. Top recruiting companies of USC are- 

• Amazon
• Microsoft
• Deloitte
• PwC
• Nike
• McKinsey & Company
• Mattel

In order to get into the USC as an international student, the applicants are required to meet all the application requirements. General admission requirements for UG and PG courses are given below:

• Application
• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Portfolio, resume or additional writing samples (as required)
• English language proficiency test score

Requirements for graduate programs

General application materials required for admission to graduate programs are given below. However, note that these may vary as per the courses:

• Statement of intent
• Letter of recommendations
• Writing samples
• Official transcripts
• GMAT / GRE score
• English language proficiency test score

USC admission decision notification varies as per the course levels. The regular decision admission decision will be announced by Early April. On the other hand, the Early Action applicants are notified Mid-to-late January. In the case of graduate programs, the admission decisions are ultimately made by the programme for which an applicant has applied. The length of time required to make the decision varies by program, size of the applicant pool, and type of degree. A general timeline for USC admission decision is given below: 

• Most applicants of the Fall term will receive decision notifications by June
• Most applicants of the Spring term will receive decision notification by December

<a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/usa/universities/university-of-southern-california/master-of-science-in-finance">USC University MSc in Finance </a>admission requirement-

• Students must have a 3.0 GPA
• 4-year US UG degree
• Academic transcript
• <a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/financial-documents-required-applycontent51030">Financial document</a>
• GMAT or GRE score is required
• English language test score is needed
• Essays
• LOR are not required

USC admission requirements for MSc in Applied Data Science are given below:

• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering-related disciplines are required. USC University also accepts applications from students from other majors too
• Personal Statement
• Academic transcripts
• Resume / CV
• 2 Letters of Recommendation

International students at USC are eligible for Merit Scholarships at the undergraduate level. These merit scholarships are awarded on the basis of a comprehensive, holistic review of an applicant’s candidacy. A few of the details about the merit-based scholarships are given below:

• The Trustee Scholarship is full-tuition scholarship
• The Presidential Scholarship is half-tuition scholarship
• Dean’s Scholarship is the scholarship that covers one-quarter tuition

All Indian students who apply by the specified deadline at the Uni of Southern California are eligible to get the merit scholarship (UG level). These merit scholarships are awarded on the comprehensive, holistic review of students' profile. As such, there are no minimum eligibility requirements for USC merit scholarships. No USC merit scholarship covers the full cost of attendance. 

No USC Merit Scholarship covers the full cost of attendance. The international students who apply by the appropriate deadline are eligible for USC Merit Scholarships. Students are awarded as per the comprehensive, holistic review of students' profile. 

For 2026-27, University of Southern California cost is USD 103,162 (Around INR 97.4 lakh). Out of this, tuition fee is USD 75,384 (Around INR 71.2 L). Other fees required and living expenses are-

Particulars

Expenses in USD

Expenses in INR

Fees

USD 1,952

INR 2 L

Housing

USD 13,510

INR 13 L

Food

USD 8,442

INR 8 L

Books and supplies

USD 670

INR 63k

Personal and Misc.

USD 2,016

INR 2 L

Transportation

USD 1,188

INR 1.12 L

Now, that the fee given above is for one-year, it can be said that the cost of attendance for 4 years will be around this amount as well.

Not the single most expensive university in the U.S. But, certainly one of the expensive universities to study in the U.S. The University of Southern California ranks at #64 in the Best Value Schools ranking by U.S. News for 2026. 

• The total cost of attendance for UG courses in 2026-27 at the Uni of Southern California is around USD 103,162 (Around INR 97.4 lakh).
• For PG courses of USC, the tuition fee may range around INR 20.17 L - INR 11.52 Cr. for one year. 

USC MSc in Applied Data Science program allows students get trained in either Computer Science or either Engineering or scientific disciplines. The duration of this program is 1.5 - 2 years. This program features the application of knowledge and skill in hands-on type experiences. Also, the students of this program will be eligible for OPT STEM extension.  The top employers of this course are Amazon, Google, Experian, Qualcomm, etc.

According to a renowned ranking publisher, the graduate Computer Science programme of USC is ranked at No. 21 in the latest rankings. According to the Department Profile for Fall 2024, 79% of students in the MS in Computer Science program are international. This programme provides intensive preparation in the concepts and techniques related to the design, programing, and application of computer systems. Some of the top employers of the USC MSc in CS graduates are Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, etc.  

USC MSc in Applied Data Science duration is 1.5 – 2 years. According to the Class Profile 2023 for this, 75% were international students. Students completing this degree have learnt the skills required to work as a Data Scientist. Also, note that this program’s students are eligible for OPT STEM extension.

The Association of Indian students at USC indulge in everything that Indian students bring on campus. every year, this association holds a number of events that celebrate friendship, community, and Indian culture. It conducts events like Diwali Night, India Night, ISA Freshers, Food fests, Sports day, Holi celebration, Independence Day, etc.

USC Health Sciences campus size is 79 acres. This campus is located northeast of Downtown Los Angeles. This campus houses the Keck School of Medicine, the School of Pharmacy, programs in Occupational Sciences and Physical Therapy, and research laboratories for the School of Dentistry as well as three major teaching schools. It is to be noted that this campus is a noteworthy place for students, patients, and scientists from around the world.

Uni of Southern California is a NCAA Division I school. It participates in the Big Ten Conference. The student athletes of Uni of Southern California have won 120+ national championships, 97 for men and 26 for women. Few of the sports in which the atheletes of USC take part are:

• Volleyball
• Tennis
• Basketball
• Track & Field

The University of Southern California's QS ranking is #146 in 2026. For 2027, USC QS ranking is #153. In the QS ranking of the current year, USC ranks among the Top 200 Universities in the world. Some of the subject rankings of this university for 2026 are given below: 

• Communication and Media Studies: #8
• Petroleum Engineering: #33
• Data Science & AI: #47
• Psychology: #62

As per one global ranking publisher i.e. Times Higher Education, California Southern University ranking is #73 in 2026. This rank places USC ranks among the Top 100 Universities in the world. In the subject rankings of THE 2025, a few of the subjects of this university rank at the following position: 

• Social Sciences: 48
• Computer Science: #64
• Law: #77
• Life Sciences: #88

In the context of U.S. specific rankings, Southern California University indeed ranks among the Top 50 Universities in 2026. In the 2026 edition, USC ranks at #28 as per a top-ranking publisher. USC acceptance rate is very low as the university is very selective at the time of admission. The acceptance rate of this university is around 11.2%. 

As per U.S. News, the Uni of Southern California ranks among the Top 30 Universities in the country-based rankings. This university ranks at #28 in the National Universities category for 2026. Also, for 2026, this university also ranks at #64 for Best Value schools.