Indiana University Indianapolis Vs University of Southern California: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare Indiana University Indianapolis Vs University of Southern California based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze Indiana University Indianapolis Vs University of Southern California on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare Indiana University Indianapolis Vs University of Southern California based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze Indiana University Indianapolis Vs University of Southern California on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
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IU Indianapolis V/s University of Southern CaliforniaStudent Ratings
Rating of colleges
4.3/5
6 Verified Reviews
4 Internships- 4.7 Part time work
- 4.3 Post study jobs
- 4.7 Quality of faculty
- 4.3 Student Life
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3.7/5
18 Verified Reviews- 3.4 Internships
- 3.5 Part time work
- 3.6 Post study jobs
- 4.4 Quality of faculty
- 4.3 Student Life
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IU Indianapolis V/s University of Southern CaliforniaCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
IU Indianapolis V/s University of Southern California MS
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IU Indianapolis V/s University of Southern California M.A.
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IU Indianapolis V/s University of Southern California B.Sc.
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IU Indianapolis V/s University of Southern California B.A.
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IU Indianapolis V/s University of Southern California Others PG
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Other courses
- B.E. / B.Tech (7 courses)
- BBA (16 courses)
- MPA (5 courses)
- MSN (9 courses)
- B.Ed (2 courses)
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- B.E. / B.Tech (18 courses)
- BBA (7 courses)
- MBA/PGDM (4 courses)
- MPA (1 course)
- B.J.M.C. (7 courses)
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IU Indianapolis V/s University of Southern CaliforniaCollege Comparison
About College
Established Year
1969
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
536 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+3 More
Established Year
1880
Number of Campus
2
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
229 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+3 More
Established Year
-/-
Number of Campus
-/-
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
-/-
Accepted Exams
-/-
IU Indianapolis V/s University of Southern CaliforniaCampus Comparison
Campus videos & images
A New Era of Impact
Campus Tour: Housing
It’s Time
A bold new vision
A future of fearless innovation
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis#1. University Park Campus
#1. University Park Campus
#2. Health Sciences Campus
USC Village: A Visual Tour
USC-India: Partner The Future
Aerial View
Aerial View
USC campus
USC Great Lawn
USC Cromwell Field
Classroom
Classroom
McCarthy Honors College
USC Village Dinning Hall
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Country Facts
Study in USA
Top Ranked and Reputed Universities
Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program- Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Campus Culture and Safety- Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
- Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
Good Quality of Life- High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
- Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Study in USA
Top Ranked and Reputed Universities- Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program
- Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Campus Culture and Safety- Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
- Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
Good Quality of Life- High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
- Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Get a detailed view about the country. Add a college!
Student’s views on campus
Views on IU Indianapolis campus
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Health Informatics - Batch of 2025
5
A multi dimensional university with larger healthcare focus
Tips: Regarding off-campus stay, one would need to thoroughly check different options available based on the price, distance from the university etc. And need to be proactive in the application. The scholarship will be automatically applied and will be mentioned in the admit letter. Completion of prerequisite courses, if any mentioned in the admit letter will help thorough understanding of lectures. After the admit letter is received, one needs to be proactive in reading the emails from the university and taking action.
Likes (Quality of faculty): There are many student organizations and clubs focusing well-being of international students which organize various events on campus throughout the year. There are many kinds of events like weeks of welcome during the start of the semester, cultural events during festive occasions and mental wellbeing events during exam periods and retreats before holidays.
Dislikes (Part time work): The faculty are great with updated knowledge and expertise in the field. They are welcoming and kind for any help including doubts and discussions. Separate classes for lectures and labs on different days are unique and help students to revise concepts thoroughly and to gain hands-on experience.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 500
Prepping time for classes43 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
BS in Informatics - Batch of 2024
3.8
Opportunities are available if you meet the requirements.
Tips: I was able to secure a scholarship after writing an essay on what I wanted to do in the next few years after not even searching for scholarships for a day. That said, scholarships are to be found easily and would depend on your major.
Likes (Post study jobs): Opportunities are many and depend on your credentials and certification, if you meet the requirements you can get a job. I have yet to identify salary packages accurately but roughly speaking $50k to $100k for jobs related to IT. There are IT customer service jobs starting at $14 / hr as a part time student on campus and can go up to $40000 with benefits as full-time.
Dislikes (Value for money): As an international student one has to pay out-of-state fees which is considerably higher than in-state fees paid by locals. However, there are many scholarships to secure if you're getting above 3.0 / 4.0 GPA and that's why I rated it a 3 out of 5.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2125
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 70050
A
Anonymous
Bachelor of Science in Business - Management - Batch of 2027
4.5
The University is excellent in terms of faculty, infrastructure(campus), diversity.
Tips: People are very nice here and small talk is frequent so learn to talk to people and be nice. I did get scholarships, it was a mix of grants and awards which I got after applying through the university website. Pretty satisfied with everything so far.
Likes (Internships): Professors and the university have provided us with tools that would help build our careers. There are many internships available relevant to my field of study as well as my different interests. We use student job portals to find jobs/internships through which I found a job within a week.
Dislikes (Student Life): A usual day of college involves taking classes, going around college and playing games during break. In the first week, a lot of tabling events have been set up throughout the campus which showcase all the different
clubs, frats and sororities. I have enrolled in the real estate and growing club.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1525
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
C
Chirag Karachiwala
Bachelor of Science in Business - Batch of 2024
3.9
IUPUI is a very good college.
Tips: This is not a party college, but I absolutely love the perks after a student graduates from here. IUPUI is a very good college, a person who is looking for a great school with amazing faculty and job opportunities should definitely think of coming here.
Likes (Part time work): I can say there is good part time work because I saw a lot of available jobs for students. I did not find a lot of difficulty in finding a job after coming here. It is definitely easy but one should choose a job that suits them and their academics. IUPUI also provides fair pay for on campus jobs.
Dislikes (Value for money): I think the tuition cost of IUPUI is a little on the higher side. Apart from that the city of Indianapolis is not that expensive to be honest. One could spend $500 dollars monthly here on groceries and other expenses. Also I feel the university should give out higher scholarships.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 745
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 60532
N
Naveen Chigurupati
M.S. in Computer Education - Batch of 2024
4.5
Good university, before coming to the university please research about IUPUI.
Tips: Select Indianan university course as they are providing on campus jobs with scholarship worth $8000. You need to research the college before coming to IUPUI. Purdue university has low opportunity compared to IU so please kindly check before applying.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Quality of education is good and public transportation is excellent .Campus is excellent in infrastructure with good faculty. There's diversity across the campus, people from different countries. Try to maintain a friendly nature in university. Overall, you could get a good rank university in medium budget.
Dislikes (Value for money): You have to adjust and not everywhere is perfect. You'll need to compare all the opportunities under IUPUI. I will suggest pursuing master's at IU as it would be easy to find part-time job on campus and scholarship is provided.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 653
Prepping time for classes12 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 134244
K
Kavya kutumbaka
M.S. in Computer Education - Batch of 2024
3.9
Academically tough college
Tips: I feel students should know that there is less party culture in Indianapolis. And IUPUI is a more strict and academically oriented college. So achieving good grades is difficult. I would prefer other colleges over this because it's easier to get good grades in other colleges while here we are struggling to even pass the course
Likes (Student Life): I feel we have better student life here as there is less population and we are having our best time here. There are also some marvelous restaurants around here and the whole place is safe. But the temperature is really harsh and people sometimes cannot bear this over here.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): I do not feel there is any recruitment right now because of underdevelopment and less number of updated companies. I also feel that finding a job along with academics is tough. Life is a little hard than what we think back in our home country.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 0
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Akshat Boudh
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
3.8
A great university environment and atmosphere for studies.
Tips: The University is good and it has now separated into two universities but they still share many common resources. For business degrees Indiana University is good, else for engineering degrees, Purdue University is good. You will find lots of Indians here.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The faculty is supportive. Professors are from various nationalities like Indian and mostly Asian etc. They even curve classes a lot for our understanding. The faculty is friendly to answer any question you might have. They are also supportive of giving LORs.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Indian restaurants are nearby with good taste. On campus, they sometimes have Indiana food too but it does not taste that good. Pricing is also decent. I stayed on campus and had a meal plan and the food there was okay.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2000
Prepping time for classes6 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 78725
Views on University of Southern California campus
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Applied Data Science - Batch of 2025
Offered by University of Southern California
4.6
The university offers a diverse range of on-campus job opportunities.
Tips: USC has a strong reputation for attracting top companies to campus for recruitment. Located in Los Angeles, a vibrant city with a diverse economy, it offers students access to numerous internship and job opportunities. Its proximity to the Bay Area, the heart of the tech industry, further enhances these prospects. Many students find internships and full-time roles at leading tech companies, entertainment firms, and startups in both regions. However, it is crucial for prospective studentsespecially international ones, to plan their finance carefully before joining. While on-campus jobs and internships can help support living expenses, they are not guaranteed and may not fully cover tuition or housing costs. Proper budgeting and having a clear understanding of expenses beforehand will ensure a smoother academic journey and allow students to take full advantage of the opportunities available.
Likes (Post study jobs): USC enjoys a strong reputation for attracting a wide range of companies for recruitment, offering students excellent career opportunities. Many organisations, ranging from tech giants to startups, regularly visit the campus for career fairs, internships, and full-time placements. The institution's emphasis on practical learning and industry collaboration further enhances student employability. Being located in Los Angeles, a major metropolitan hub, also adds to the appeal. The city itself is home to a thriving ecosystem of technology, entertainment, healthcare, and finance companies, making it easier for students to network and find off-campus internships during or after their studies. Furthermore, Los Angeles's proximity to the Bay Area, unarguably the heart of global technology and innovation, provides an additional advantage. Students can explore opportunities with leading tech firms headquartered there, including those offering summer internships or co-op programs.
Dislikes (Internships): The university offers a diverse range of on-campus job opportunities, which are beneficial for students looking to gain practical experience, support themselves financially, and integrate into campus life. These jobs span across departments such as libraries, dining services, administrative offices, research labs, and IT support. Many positions are flexible, allowing students to balance work with academic commitments. Working on campus not only helps in earning a steady income but also enhances soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management. However, the availability of these jobs for international students is comparatively limited. Due to U. S. regulations, international students on F-1 visas are only permitted to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year. While the university does its best to accommodate international students, many roles are quickly filled by domestic students or have eligibility criteria that favour U. S. citizens or permanent residents. In some cases, language proficiency requirements or prior experience also pose barriers. Additionally, research assistantships or graduate assistant roles, which are more aligned with academic and professional goals, can be highly competitive for international students. Funding limitations or departmental preference may further restrict access. As a result, international students often need to be proactive, apply early, and leverage faculty connections to secure suitable roles.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 5725
Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 77825
A
Anonymous
M.A in Occupational Therapy - Batch of 2026
Offered by University of Southern California
4
It has been an amazing and very promising experience.
Tips: The campus is beautiful, the classes are interesting, and the university has some courses that allow you to re-attempt tests where you haven't done your best. You will be required to stay up-to-date with a lot of extensive background reading, which can affect your work-life balance. Otherwise, it is a very open and friendly space to learn. The faculty are easily accessible so you can reach out to them. Overall, I am quite satisfied with the course and country.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2400
Prepping time for classes32 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 73650
A
Abhinav Gupta
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
Offered by University of Southern California
3.5
Opportunity for those who seek it.
Tips: Before joining this college, students should be ready to take on coursework as soon as they start. Competition is tough because there is a big batch size. You will need to fight for your place. Make sure to learn how to cook because eating out is going to be expensive. Stop covering everything to the Dollar because you won't be able to survive.
Likes (Student Life): Student life is great because the college is very supportive. There are a lot of sports and advanced facilities. The campus has good food and a good vibe. LA as a city is amazing, there is so much to do. There is a little for everyone, city life, beaches, mountains, desert, culture, food and so much more.
Dislikes (Safety): LA as a city is very unsafe. There are homeless people everywhere on the street and even in public transport who come close to you and even try to engage unless you are careful. Travelling alone at night is very difficult and scary. There are crimes happening around every day.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1050
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 110000
A
Anonymous
M.S. in Spatial Economics and Data Analysis - Batch of 2025
Offered by University of Southern California
3.8
Grateful for the experience and lesson.
Tips: The campus is very friendly and welcoming and the student body is diverse so you'll be sure to fit in. The infrastructure is well made and living in California is great for Indians. If there is something to be cautious about, it is the amount of crime happening around the university.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4575
Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 89075
G
Ganpati Goel
MS in Engineering Management (MSEMT) - Batch of 2023
Offered by University of Southern California
4.1
The University is awesome, there is a lot of competition, sports, extracurriculars and party house.
Tips: Complete assignments on time, make sure to clear all subjects, and join extracurriculars like Table tennis, triathlon club and cycling etc., if you are not into all of this then don't bother coming to USC and save some money. USC is not merely for education but for the holistic development of self if you have missed that in Indian colleges.
Likes (Public transportation): I personally learnt skateboarding and life was so much easier than to walk the whole campus. So skateboarding + public transport I could travel anywhere in the city. USC also has unlimited free Lyft in 2 mile radius around the campus from 6 pm to 2 am. You can get the tap card at a discount for college students.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): In USA:
1. Post study jobs matter on the following:
a. Location of University. If you have done college from East Cost you will get a company call back from East Cost majorly and vice versa- the name of the college doesn't matter as much.
b. Experience: Your own experience matters. People with prior experience are more likely to secure jobs.
c. On campus companies: Very few companies that come on campus sponsor, so it is pretty much useless.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 85000
A
Agraj Khare
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
3.9
This place has a lot to offer. Student life is happening.
Tips: One should definitely do their due diligence with which course they plan on taking UPAT USC. It is definitely a great leap and transition coming to a new country and it will take some time to get yourself adjusted in the system. Getting habitual of doing everything on your own can also prove to be challenging. With time you will definitely find an on-campus job to support your living expenses and things will improve for the better. The key is to remain patient and stay consistent. USC as a university has a lot to offer, so don't be afraid to grab onto opportunities and get as involved as you can! Make the most of it and have a great time. Striking a balance between fun and work is equally important.
Likes (Student Life): There is always something going around in campus. The campus is forever hustling and bustling. I honestly feel the people you'll meet at USC will be great, I am sure there are exceptions but the student population is diverse and has a lot to offer. There are ample events conducted by AIS (Association of Indian Students) so you don't miss your key festivals away from home.
Dislikes (Safety): Safety is definitely a concern in Downtown Los Angeles. Even though USC makes more than sufficient efforts to keep its students safe, you will come across instances of crime a little too frequently for comfort. But I still feel safety is a matter of personal choices as well. So always make sure you're cautious and taking the right precautions.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1425
Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
3.1
Great but also expensive
Tips: As someone who is from Mumbai, moving to LA feels like a huge change. The city is huge but it is difficult to explore without a car. The people here are welcoming, and there are a lot of international students, especially from India. But it is expensive without a scholarship, and USC discontinued the Honours Scholarship programme so it is more difficult to fund your education now.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The faculty at USC is really good. In the courses that I took, the faculty had a thorough understanding of all the topics and were super friendly and welcoming during their office hours. Even if you aren't able to reach the professors, there are TAs who are also really helpful most of the time.
Dislikes (Value for money): Although USC is a good school, it is quite expensive. There are a lot of students in some courses, and for those courses, the quality drops. I believe other universities that are less expensive have the same level of courses and an equal number of opportunities for internship and full-time jobs.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1200
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 100025
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
4.2
Go with an open-mind to experience the best.
Tips: Very satisfied with my university, course and country. The first 2 months are the hardest but after that, you settle in and it only gets better. Do not create any opinions based on what seniors say, Experience everything and form your own opinions. Your masters experience depends on how you make it. Do not have preconceived notions.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1800
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
3.8
No complaints, great network for better opportunities.
Tips: Apply early for a chance at a scholarship. Culture is very open-minded but there are ethnic and religious events happening year-round. Extremely satisfied with my course, nothing to complain about. I am currently specializing in ML maybe a bit more practical courses could have been better.
Likes (Student Life): Great fun, lot of people to network with, strong alumni network. This creates a strong bond between people. I really liked the atmosphere which was present at the place.
It is very open minded, people can be what they want, express themselves. And also you can still connected to your culture and tradition through various clubs
Dislikes (Internships): The job market was bad in 2023, thus finding an internship was bad. Otherwise, it has been fine. USC has a decent track record of students landing good internships. But 2023 was such a year that only 700 new tech jobs was created. That caused problems mainly.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1225
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 100750
O
OMKAR VERMA
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
3.2
Expensive college, stressful course
Tips: You will have to be mentally strong before coming to the US, as it gets stressful at times. You have to do all things yourself like cooking, on-campus job, studies, finding full time employment. My course in VLSI is very stressful. It is fairly difficult and keeps you on your toes for at least 2 semesters. At the time of writing this review, markets are not that good, so finding a job is getting very difficult and stressful. I wish I had relevant experience before coming here.
Likes (Indian Food): In Los Angeles, there are numerous Indian restaurants. Some of them are decently priced and some are expensive, based on the ambiance. Generally, you can find good restaurants without any issues. As a reference, Chicken Biryani at a good restaurant typically ranges from USD 18 to USD 25. I try to save money by cooking my own food.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): The immigration backlog for Indians coming to this country is extensive. The expected time for permanent residency is more than 100 years, so it is not possible for permanent settlement. Also, opportunities in India are growing exponentially. I plan to go back after my studies. I would be living peacefully in my country without any daily stress of losing a job and having to leave the country.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 950
Prepping time for classes40 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 120000
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
3.2
It is a good university but only if you can afford it.
Tips: You can consider joining this college only if you can manage the expenses. Avoid taking a loan, as it is not justified for this university, given that you are responsible for your placements, and there is always the possibility of a recession or layoffs in the country. It is advisable to keep expenses minimal. On-campus jobs are not very common but attainable.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1325
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 85225
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
3.1
The rich sporty college.
Tips: I feel that my university is expensive and because of the current job market, the investment was not worth it. Other than that, everything seemed fine. They encourage co-curricular activities. The environment here is very diverse and you can make good friends.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Professors over here are really knowledgeable. They know what they teach. They have office hours and encourage students to be interactive. PhD is something that professors here support. Overall I feel that it's great academically. That would be it.
Dislikes (Part time work): The number of students In USC is humongous, and the part-time job openings are relatively fewer. It's kind of hard to get a part-time on-campus job. I would recommend students to hunt for jobs at the lab. Even though it's difficult, it would be worth it.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1200
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 90000
K
Kaushal Ganesh Binjola
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
Offered by University of Southern California
3.7
University of Southern California is safe choice.
Tips: The courses are heavy, and the university is quite academically oriented. It is also a very expensive university, so you should take courses that suit you well (these courses are competitive and difficult). It is also an expensive endeavour to live off campus, but there are great student housing and security measures like free Lyft, and security is provided by the university.
Likes (Student Life): There are many on-campus events for students. Other than that, there are hundreds of student-run clubs catering to any hobby you might have. The campus is pretty big as well brimming with things happening any time you go to campus. There is also an app for you to stay up to date with all events.
Dislikes (Safety): Los Angeles is notorious for being an unsafe city. There are constant reports of assault or robbery. But the college has noted this and has free Lyft and security patrol zones. Other than that, the public transport is shady, filled with people who are most probably high.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Akshay Jain
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
4
Exceptionally qualified teaching faculty.
Tips: Before joining any college in the US, students should be aware that they will struggle at some point. They will make bad decisions, lose track of time, don't get enough time to cook and might even get bad grades. However, they have to motivate and keep on trying. USC has taught me a lot and groomed my entire personality. This is a continuous learning process and it takes time to reach the goals set.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Most of the Computer Science faculty on campus are exceptionally qualified and willing to help students in every possible manner. They take student feedback into consideration and offer make-up assignments as well. Teaching methodology involves theory + practical application with a focus on clearing fundamentals. Classes are fun but that depends upon student interest. The teaching faculty is diverse and understanding.
Dislikes (Safety): USC has partnered with DPS (Depth. Of Public Safety, under LAPD) to ensure patrolling of areas around the campus during night time. There are security personnel (USC Yellow Jackets) placed at strategic locations to monitor the area. However, students sometimes face incidents related to cycle theft, burglary, fondling, etc. due to negligence and the homeless population around the area.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 100
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 90000
A
Abhimanyu Sharma
BA in Cinema and Media Studies - Batch of 2021
Offered by University of Southern California
4
Excellent faculty at the film school.
Tips: There is a culture shock for sure, despite assuming that I know everything cause I saw all the TV shows so couldn't be more wrong. The film course is under the school of cinematic arts, which is known to be quite competitive. The faculty of the film school includes renowned names in the industry, and they train you to keep up with the industry standard.
Likes (Student Life): There are clubs, societies, and networking for everyone if you seek it out. It is centrally located so you have access to various necessities and leisure. They have sports facilities for those that are inclined towards that. I joined several clubs and ended up meeting a lot of like-minded people, which definitely helps in adjusting to a new country.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Permanent immigration options are easier for STEM majors, although there are plenty of options for other fields as well all across the spectrum. I personally wanted to get back to India and pursue filmmaking in Bombay, although if you network well enough, there are collaborative opportunities that you can pursue with other international students.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1223
Prepping time for classes17 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
L
Lasya Vadapalli
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2022
Offered by University of Southern California
2.2
USC is very expensive, try public universities.
Tips: USC is very expensive. Apart from that, the university boosts a number of labs which provide ample research opportunities. The student population is very diverse. It also has a huge Indian population. Courses are difficult to register for because of the large class size.
Likes (Public transportation): I found public transport non-reliable due to erratic schedule and it is not very safe. The campus shuttle is not very frequent. Most students use personal means to travel to the campus. Hence, it is important that you stay close to the campus.
Dislikes (Internships): We received very limited help from the university. The Office of International Services (OIS) sometimes does not provide enough support to international students. The career services do not provide personalized help. The career fairs are also not that great.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1170
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 129176
A
Astha Tewatia
MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
3.8
Mental peace and health are given importance at University of Southern California
Tips: Students should not get intimidated by the fee expenses. They should be willing for hard-core multitasking and should be at their best in time management. If not, they will miss out on some serious opportunities organized by the university for students. Students should be willing to come out of their comfort zone and should actively participate in activities for making the most of this university.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The quality of faculty is 5/5. They make your efforts count in every possible manner. It is very easy to reach out to the professors and they are always willing to help students out of their domain as well. Mental peace and health are given importance. Professors are always ready to listen to students which is all that an international student needs sometimes.
Dislikes (Safety): Safety in Los Angeles has been quite an issue for students over here. Public transportation is not the first option for many students when traveling alone. I have witnessed incidents where safety of people in LA is compromised. Homelessness is a major concern over here.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 904
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
P
Parul Gupta
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2021
Offered by University of Southern California
3.8
USC rocks! One should take admission here.
Tips: Hard work is the key and try to connect with Alumni and get suggestions for subjects. Prepare LeetCode for technical interviews. Talk to the professors before getting enrolled in a subject regarding which you are doubtful, as every course has its own fees and structure.
Likes (Safety): The university has its own team to take care of it. They have free Lyft app for certain areas and cruise availability for students. They have security people in the campus to watch over students' activities during off hours and at nights, they make sure that nothing wrong happens.
Dislikes (Value for money): Other cheaper universities can provide the same experience and better education in some subjects. Also, other universities might have more flexible syllabus to do what you want in a particular field. Assignments are pretty hectic for some courses.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1194
Prepping time for classes34 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 101667
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Engineering - Batch of 2018
Offered by University of Southern California
4.5
University of Southern California- A great school with great spirit.
Tips: Perhaps the biggest cultural shock was the variety of choices in the grocery stores. Plus, by default, most of the food items have added sugar, so I had to make sure to read the fine print to choose the ones that did not. I'm very satisfied with the university and the course. I was funded by a research project for my PhD program. It provided tuition and a stipend of around $2500 per month (it is now increased due to inflation). Also, my advice to the incoming student is to explore the campus, sports, college activities, and clubs to the fullest. Do not be stuck in just the academic bubble because US university experiences are very enriching and can have a tangible impact on your personality as well as your career.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Just like most US cities except for cities like Texas, NJ, etc, Indian food restaurants are a hit or a miss. Even if you find a good restaurant, they are expensive too because it's LA. So I prefer cooking or on days I'm extremely busy, I rely on sandwiches/soups which are healthier swaps. But LA is a foodie's paradise. So there are many options to explore especially Mexican food so I personally never missed Indian food.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1800
Prepping time for classes50 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 13020
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Southern California
2.5
USC is a decent university
Tips: The neighborhood the university is located in is not the safest, so you will have a tough time adjusting here. It is not the prettiest either and a far cry from the ideas that were fed to you about LA.
There are no scholarships offered and getting a job on campus too is very hard given the high demand.
There are better locations and universities in the US that would serve better to people who are new to the US.
Likes (Student Life): There are quite a few student clubs and events happening on campus but you need to be the one to track them and put in the effort to attend them. They aren't always the most productive but you do enjoy yourself. The masters courses are usually late in the day so it does give you time to participate in other activities early in the day.
Dislikes (Public transportation): You have free lyft around campus. You also are given a public transport pass so it's decent that way but not the most convenient or safe. But if you need to go anywhere far you will need to buy a car or use Uber which can get quite expensive. On campus, many students just use a cycle.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1550
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 112975
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