University of Southern California Acceptance Rate &
University of Southern California (USC) is a highly selective private research university in Los Angeles, California, with about 20,443 students. Admission is highly selective for first-time degree-seeking undergraduates reporting admissions data to the Education Department. The acceptance rate is about 9.81% in the latest College Scorecard admissions data. Median earnings about ten years after entry reach about $92,498 among students who received federal aid.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $72,097
- 2024 Average Net Price: $32,740 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 9.81% Highly Selective
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 20,443 98.2% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 91.83%
- Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
- First-Generation Students: 24.7%
- Tuition trend: In-state tuition increase of 5.4% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Net price trend: Average net price increase of 8.4% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Full-Time Faculty: 59.0%
- Average SAT Score: 1495
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 22,835
- Applicants (IPEDS): 80,808
- Room & Board: $19,931 annual estimate
University of Southern California: what the data shows
Common questions about University of Southern California, answered from College Scorecard and IPEDS in this repository.
Where is University of Southern California?
University of Southern California is located in Los Angeles, CA (ZIP 90089).
NCES locale classification: City.
Is University of Southern California public or private?
University of Southern California is a Private Non-profit institution.
How much does University of Southern California cost?
Published tuition: $72,097.
Average net price after aid: $32,740.
| Family income band | Avg. net price |
|---|---|
| Family income $0–$30,000 | $13,516 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $14,394 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $19,539 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $24,976 |
| $110,001+ | $56,116 |
Sticker tuition × four years (estimate, no room/board): $288,388.
How hard is it to get into University of Southern California?
Admission rate: 9.81%.
Among enrollees who submitted scores: average SAT 1495 and midpoint ACT 34.
Scorecard does not publish admitted-student GPA for most institutions.
How big is University of Southern California?
Total enrollment: 20,443 students.
Undergraduate enrollment: 22,835 students.
Graduate enrollment: 25,936 students.
About 98% enroll full-time in our extract.
What is the graduation rate at University of Southern California?
150%-time completion rate: 91.83%.
First-year retention: 95.9%.
What do graduates of University of Southern California earn?
Median earnings: $74,461 six years after entry; $92,498 ten years after entry (College Scorecard).
How much debt do students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers: $18,000.
22.24% of students receive Pell grants.
What is University of Southern California known for?
Largest IPEDS program completions at this institution:
- Management Science (2,148 completions)
- Computer Science (1,533 completions)
- Social Work (602 completions)
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering (397 completions)
- Informatics (364 completions)
- Econometrics and Quantitative Economics (363 completions)
- Educational Leadership and Administration, General (316 completions)
- Human Biology (282 completions)
- Speech Communication and Rhetoric (274 completions)
- Occupational Therapy/Therapist (258 completions)
See ROI & Programs for more.
Is University of Southern California a good school?
We do not score schools on opinion. Federal data in our extract show admission rate 9.81%; completion rate 91.83%; median earnings $92,498 at 10 years; net price $32,740. Compare these figures to your cost, aid, and career goals.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition Costs
$72,097
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at University of Southern California was $72,097.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$32,740
2024 Value
In 2024 University of Southern California had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $32,740.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$130,960 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$32,740 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$288,388 4-Year Tuition
$19,931 Room & Board (annual, on-campus estimate)
$1,200 Books & Supplies (annual estimate)
$93,228 Estimated Annual Sticker (tuition + room/board + books)
$372,912 Estimated 4-Year Sticker (before aid)
4-year total cost breakdown for University of Southern California.
Financial Aid by Income Level
22.24% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
23.57% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
0.00%
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at University of Southern California was 0.00%.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Tuition tracker
Published tuition and average net price by reporting year come from the College Scorecard institution file. Values are not adjusted for inflation; missing cells mean the field was not reported or was suppressed for University of Southern California in that year.
Reporting years in the table below: 2013–2023 (Scorecard labels refer to the institutional submission cycle).
| Year | In-state tuition & fees | Out-of-state tuition & fees | Average net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $46,298 | $46,298 | $28,352 |
| 2014 | $48,280 | $48,280 | $28,344 |
| 2015 | $50,277 | $50,277 | $29,174 |
| 2016 | $52,283 | $52,283 | $29,977 |
| 2017 | $54,259 | $54,259 | $30,232 |
| 2018 | $56,225 | $56,225 | $30,453 |
| 2019 | $58,195 | $58,195 | $29,528 |
| 2020 | $60,275 | $60,275 | $32,569 |
| 2021 | $61,503 | $61,503 | $25,972 |
| 2022 | $64,726 | $64,726 | $29,462 |
| 2023 | $68,237 | $68,237 | $31,927 |
Sticker tuition and net price over time
Where the institution reported separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, both appear. Gaps mean the value was not reported for that year.
College Scorecard reporting-year fields (not inflation-adjusted).
Net price by family income
Brackets follow Scorecard definitions for the series shown (public vs private institution).
Latest income-band net prices available in the processed extract.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Acceptance Rate
9.81% Acceptance Rate
80,808 Total Applicants
8,094 Students Admitted
3,633 First-Time Students Enrolled
44.89% Yield (enrolled ÷ admitted)
This institution is extremely selective, accepting fewer than 1 in 10 applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1495
ACT Average: 34
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.7 - 3.9
Estimated Median GPA: 3.90
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment & Student Demographics
University of Southern California reported total enrollment of about 20,443 students in the latest College Scorecard extract. The student body is about 48% male and 52% female. Enrollment by race and ethnicity includes White (25.5%), Asian (23.3%), and Hispanic or Latino (20.0%). About 22.24% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants. Roughly 24.7% of students are first-generation college students.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
98.2% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at University of Southern California in 2024 is 20,443 students.
Undergraduate enrollment is about 22,835 students. Graduate enrollment is about 25,936 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
95.9%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity
The largest enrollment share in our College Scorecard extract is White at 25.5%.
Shares are for total enrollment (undergraduate and graduate combined when reported).
College Scorecard student demographics.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
74.48% 100% Completion Time
91.83% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 74.48% of students graduating from University of Southern California completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
Completions by Sex (Top Programs)
- Management Science: 55% male / 45% female
- Computer Science: 71% male / 29% female
- Social Work: 17% male / 83% female
IPEDS completions by sex for the five largest programs (aggregate CIPs excluded).
Completions by Race & Ethnicity
Combined IPEDS award counts across reported programs; largest group: White.
Summed across program completion records in our extract.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for University of Southern California.
Return on Investment
$18,000 Median Student Debt
$92,498 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
19.46% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
606.31% Return on Investment
1.9 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for University of Southern California.
Top Programs by Completions
10 largest programs by IPEDS completions (of 268 reported codes; aggregate/unknown CIP buckets excluded).
1. Management Science: 2,148 completions
2. Computer Science: 1,533 completions
3. Social Work: 602 completions
4. Electrical and Electronics Engineering: 397 completions
5. Informatics: 364 completions
6. Econometrics and Quantitative Economics: 363 completions
7. Educational Leadership and Administration, General: 316 completions
8. Human Biology: 282 completions
9. Speech Communication and Rhetoric: 274 completions
Most popular programs at University of Southern California.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcome data is not available for this institution.
Earnings outcomes for University of Southern California graduates.
Operations
Instructional staffing and expenditure indicators for University of Southern California from College Scorecard (not a full IPEDS finance statement).
Instructional Resources
- Full-time faculty share: 59.0%
- Average faculty salary (Scorecard): $17,924
- Instructional expenditure per FTE: $49,674
Endowment and detailed non-instructional staff counts require IPEDS Finance/HR surveys and are not in this extract.
Scorecard instructional metrics where reported.
About
University of Southern California is a private non-profit institution located in Los Angeles, CA, classified as Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity. In the latest IPEDS completions in our extract, the largest programs by awards were Management Science, Computer Science, Social Work. Enrollment is approximately 20,443 students. Student body composition includes White (25.5%), Asian (23.3%), Hispanic or Latino (20.0%). It is highly selective, with an admission rate of 9.81%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1495. The 150%-time completion rate is 91.83%. Approximately 22.24% of students receive Pell Grants. About 24.7% of students are first-generation college students.
Institution Type
Private Non-profit
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
Location
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Region: Far West
Insights and Analysis
Exceptional Graduation Rate: With a 91.83% graduation rate, University of Southern California demonstrates strong student retention and completion. This rate significantly exceeds the national average, indicating effective academic support and student services.
Strong Career Outcomes: University of Southern California graduates report median earnings of $92,498 ten years after entry, placing them among the higher-earning college graduates nationally. This strong earnings potential reflects both the quality of education and the career opportunities available to graduates.
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 268 distinct degree programs, University of Southern California provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is USC located?
University of Southern California is located in Los Angeles, CA. The institution is also known as USC.
What is USC's acceptance rate?
The acceptance rate at University of Southern California (USC) is 9.8% among first-time degree-seeking students reporting admissions data. IPEDS reports 80,808 applicants and 8,094 admits in the latest admissions cycle in our extract.
How much does USC cost?
Reported tuition is $72,097 and average net price is $32,740 in the latest College Scorecard data. On-campus room and board is estimated at $19,931 annually.
What is the student body demographics at USC?
University of Southern California reports undergraduate enrollment of about 22,835 students, White (25.5%), Asian (23.3%) in federal College Scorecard data.
How many first-generation students attend USC?
About 24.7% of students at University of Southern California are first-generation college students.
What test scores do students need for University of Southern California?
Among enrolled students who submitted scores, University of Southern California reports midpoint SAT about 1495 and midpoint ACT about 34.
What do graduates of University of Southern California earn?
Median earnings are $74,461 six years after entry and $92,498 ten years after entry.
What is the graduation rate at University of Southern California?
The 150%-time completion rate is 91.8% for the cohort reported to the College Scorecard.
How much debt do University of Southern California students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers is $18,000.
Is University of Southern California public or private?
University of Southern California is a private nonprofit institution located in Los Angeles, CA.
Is University of Southern California an HBCU?
No. University of Southern California is not flagged as an HBCU in the IPEDS institutional directory.
Is University of Southern California a tribal college?
No. University of Southern California is not flagged as a tribal college in IPEDS.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
- Related geography & profiles
- California college costs
- California colleges by ROI
- Los Angeles, California city profile
- Far West regional profile
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in California
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.