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University of Southern California (USC): Fees, Rankings, Courses, Reviews
- Private University
2 Campuses- Estd. 1880
Last updated on 23 Jul '25University of Southern CaliforniaWhat's new?
USC application deadline is Nov 1, 2025, for UG students (Early Action & Early Decision). Also Check: University of Southern California Reviews
About University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private research university situated in LA, California, United States. It was established in 1880. It is known for its diverse academic courses, vibrant campus life, and strong research opportunities. It was established in 1908. USC is the oldest private research university in California. University of Southern California saw a growth in enrollment from Indian students in Law, Regulatory Science, and Gaming. Also, the Engineering courses remained popular among Indian students. As per a report, a fourth of the university’s students are international, out of which, 25% are Indian students. USC ranks among the top universities globally and nationally. Its ranking is #27 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges in National Universities. Globally, USC ranking is #72 and #125 in 2025.
The total student popular at USC California is around 47,000. A total of 2,444 Indian students were enrolled at USC. According to the official statistics, the University of Southern California acceptance rate is just 9.8%. This acceptance rate justifies that this is a highly selective university. Notable alumni of this university include personalities such as Neil Armstrong, actress America Ferrara, actor John Wayne, other actors like Zac Efron, Tom Selleck, and actress Jenna Dewan among others.
Some of the important things about the University of Southern California are given below:
|
Particulars |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
Acceptance rate |
Around 10% |
|
Ranking |
Among 200 Universities in the World |
|
Total student enrollment |
47,000+ |
|
International students |
26.6 % (As of Fall 2024) |
|
No. of Indian students |
2,400+ |
|
Popular courses |
MBA, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Engineering Management, MSc in Finance |
|
Annual tuition fees |
Between INR 17.99 L - 1.03 Cr |
|
Total no. of international students |
12,300+ |
USC Student Enrollment
For Fall 2024, USC received 82,027 applications for the 2024-25 academic year (UG). The total number of admitted students was 8,050 and the fall enrollment was 3,489. The statistics over the years are 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% |
History
Check details about the University of Southern California acceptance rate from here
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
As mentioned by the University of Southern California itself, GRE test scores are not required for admissions to MS in CS in 2023. However, apart from this, the applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or be in process of completing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. The applicants must submit the following too:
Personal Statement
Letters of Recommendation (Optional)
IELTS / TOEFL score
The University of Southern California is the oldest private research university. It ranks among the Top 30 US Universities in 2024 and 2025, as per a top-ranking publisher. It is particularly famous for its prestigious school of Cinematic Arts along with highly ranked Marshall School of Business, Annenberg School of Journalism and Mass Communication, etc. The acceptance rate of USC University is around 10%, which means to get into this university, the applicants must have a strong application.
For the academic year 2023-24, the University of Southern California has around 47,000 students. As of Fall 2023, USC has 12,700+ students. Out of this, the total number of Indian students are 2,500+. The top 5 countries represented by students China, India, South Korea, Taiwan, and Canada. Other countries from where students enrolled at this university are Hong Kong, Mexico, Iran, Indonesia, etc.
University of Southern California Ranking 2025
University of Southern California is frequently recognized for its academics and global reputation. The university was ranked #22 at national level as per the Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025.
University of Southern California's specialized courses such as #4 and #9 have been ranked MIM and BBA nationally, respectively.
Apart from this, QS also ranked the university at #125 in 2025.
#107
#28
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
According to a top-ranking publisher, USC ranks at #27 in 2025 in National Universities category. This shows that it is one of the top-ranking universities in the US. On the other hand, in the Global Universities category, USC ranks at #77 position for 2025. In the 2025 ranking, USC ranks at #125 position. This shows that the university ranks among the Top 150 Universities in the World.
In the context of U.S. specific rankings, Southern California University indeed ranks among the Top 50 Universities in 2025. In the 2025 edition, USC ranks at #27 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 10%. At present, USC is home to nearly 48,000 students. As of Fall 2024, the total number of Indian students enrolled at this university is 2,400+.
According to a top-ranking publisher, USC University ranking is #125 in the world in 2025. In the same publisher's rankings, this university was placed at #116 in 2024. In other world university (Times higher Education) rankings, USC ranks at #72 in 2025 and #74 in 2024. This shows that this university's position has improved in THE rankings. In the Best Global University ranking, USC ranks at #79 in the 2024 rankings.
Top Courses at USC for International Students
Speaking of University of Southern California courses, the undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered through 23 schools and divisions. When it comes to undergraduate courses, 150+ majors and minors are available. When it comes to graduate education, students can choose from a wide range of master’s, PhD, dual-degree and graduate certificate programs. The university offers over 200 programs at the graduate level. Study areas at this university are Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Social Science, Media & Communication. The most popular University of Southern California courses among international students are MBA, MSc in Computer Science, and MSc in Applied Data Science.
The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences is the largest and oldest of the USC schools. It grants UG degree in 180+ majors. On the other hand, the School of Cinematic Arts is the oldest and largest film school in the country.
3.6(17)9 months - 5 years
Srujan + 13 others got admitted through us.
3.8(1)12 months - 4 years
16 students got admitted to this university
Guided 4.4K students to USA universities.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
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. Furthermore, students are offered a deep understanding of both fundamentals and important current issues in Computer Science and Computer Engineering. Some of the top employers of the USC MSc in CS graduates are Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, etc.
Yes, MS in Business Analytics course at the University of Southern California is STEM-designated. For international students, this course is eligible for the OPT-STEM extension. The duration of this course is 1.5-2 years. This course is one of the longest-running MSBA courses in the nation and has been consistently ranked among the world's top courses. To apply for this course, the applicants must have a bachelor's degree and completion of a college-level statistics course. Work experience is preferred, but not required. GMAT / GRE score and LOR are neither required nor accepted.
Southern California University MS in Engineering Management course is for the students with UG degree in Engineering or Related Sciences to prepare them for management responsibilities. Additionally, students are going to gain an understanding of the economic decision making processes. This course offers real-world examples provided by instructors who have years of relevant industry experience, covering topics like Creation, Information Systems, Management of Invention, Managerial Accounting, etc. As per 2022 outcomes survey, 95% of this course's graduates are employed, or continuing education or are pursuing other opportunities. Companies where the graduates work are PwC; BAE Systems Inc., Medtronic, Lyft, etc.
University of Southern California Admissions 2025
For USC admissions, the applicants can apply via Common Application for UG programs. To apply to graduate programs, the applicants are required to access the application form links from the course pages of the university
Application Deadlines
USC application deadline for UG courses are given below:
|
Type of Deadline |
Application Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Early Action |
Nov 1, 2025 |
|
Regular Decision |
|
Admission Requirements for International Students
The general USC admission requirements are given below:
- Undergraduate: The applicants must have completed high school
- Graduate Courses: From Summer 2025, a 3 or 4-year Bachelor’s degree earned by the institution recognized by the UGC.
Acceptance Rate
The University of Southern California acceptance rate is around 10%. This means that the university is very selective at the time of admission.
Application Fee
The application fee for USC Graduate international applicants is USD 90. For programs offered by Marshall School of Business, the application fee for graduate applicants is USD 155. Do check out the official website of USC to know about the application fee for UG courses.
Eligibility
Though the entry requirements for USC vary as per the courses, the general documents that students have to submit to justify their eligibility are:
- Academic transcripts
- Letter of Recommendation
- Resume / Portfolio (as applicable)
- Financial documents
- GRE / GMAT / Other test scores (as required)
- English language proficiency test scores
Writing a Resume for University Application? Don’t Make These Mistakes! Check the below-given video to know the tips and tricks to write a resume:
- Application fees :USD 85 - 155
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Documents| Type of documents | Applicable for |
|---|---|
| SOP | Needed for few courses |
| LOR | Needed for few courses |
| Essays | Needed for few courses |
| CV | Needed for few courses |
| Additional documents | Required |
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
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 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
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
University of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Southern California Scholarships
USC does not provide need-based scholarships to international students. However, international students can look for other scholarships such as merit-based scholarships.
Details about USC Merit Scholarships
- All international applicants who submit an application as per the deadline shall be considered for USC Merit scholarships to study undergraduate courses. Check details about USC scholarships from here
- These merit scholarships are awarded on the basis of a comprehensive academic and educational review of the applicant. Some of the merit scholarships are Trustee Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, and Dean's Scholarship, etc.
Important Points for Scholarships
- Value for merit-based scholarships: These merit-based scholarships range in value from a few thousand dollars up to full tuition
- Basis of awarding the scholarship: The merit scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, leadership, service, and talent
- Full-tuition scholarship or partial scholarship: The Trustee Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship, the Presidential Scholarship is a half-tuition scholarship, and the Dean’s Scholarship is a scholarship that covers one-quarter tuition
Department-wise scholarships are also offered at this university. To learn more about this, applicants are required to refer to the university’s official website. A few other scholarships awarded to students of USC are the USC Associates Scholarship and USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association Scholarships.
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
International students at USC are not eligible to receive federal or need-based financial aid, they are eligible for undergraduate merit-based scholarships and / or departmental awards. All international students who submit an application by the appropriate deadline are eligible for USC merit scholarships. These merit-based scholarships are not based on financial need and are awarded on the basis of a comprehensive, holistic review of the applicants. Also, note that there are no minimum eligibility requirements for USC merit scholarships as such.
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
Yes, USC gives scholarships to international students. All international applicants who apply as per the appropriate deadline become eligible for USC Merit Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of a comprehensive academic and scholastic review of the candidacy of an applicant. As such, there are no minimum eligibility requirements for USC Merit Scholarships.
University of Southern California Popular Courses
2 yearsUniversity of Southern CaliforniaStudents Ratings & Reviews
18 Verified Reviews- 40% students never faced discrimination in this university
University of Southern California Job Outcomes
According to a recent report by the University of Southern California for 2024, the employment rate for MBA graduates was 80% after 90 days of graduation. The average base salary of the MBA graduates was USD 144,442 (Around INR 1.25 Cr.). Check the details for University of Southern California job outcomes.
Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
USC MBA 2024 graduates were hired in industries like Consulting, Technology, Financial Services, Consumer Packaged Goods, etc. A few of the sectors where these alumni are employed are Business Development, Engineering, Education, Media and Communication, Arts & Design, Information Technology, etc. On top of this, a few of the USC courses studied by these alumni were Business Administration & Development, Psychology, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Economics, etc.
ROI after Education from USC
USC MBA tuition fee is around INR 70 Lakh and as per the latest employment report, the average base salary was USD 144,442 (Around INR 1.25 Cr.). Keeping the average salary in mind, it can be said that the ROI for USC MBA is higher.
Top Employers
The top employers of the Southern California University graduates were Amazon, Google, EY, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, JP MorganChase, Mattel, Bank of America, Bain & Company, etc.
OPT for International Students
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 students to gain work experience in their study field in the U.S (up to 12 months). There are 3 types of OPT:
- Pre-OPT: This is the work experience that is allowed during the student’s academic program
- Post-Completion OPT: This is the work experience that occurs after the student’s program ends
- STEM-OPT extension: This is the additional 24-months of work authorization for students who are there in an approved period of post-completion OPT and have one degree in STEM majors on DHS STEM Designated program list
Top Recruiters
Commonly asked questions On Placements
The top employers of the USC MSc in Computer Science include companies such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, Media Platforms Inc, etc. Other employers are Adobe, Accenture, Goldman Sachs, Spotify, Tesla, Walmart, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Cisco Systems, etc. According to the 2022 First Destination Survey – Outcomes, 98% of students are employed, are continuing their education, or are pursuing other opportunities.
The average salary of the USC MBA graduates for the Class of 2024 was USD 144,442 (Around INR 1.25 Cr.). This is equivalent to INR 1.25 Cr. According to the facts, 80% of the full-time MBA students are employed within 90 days of graduation. A few of the top employers of MBA Class of 2024 are Amazon, Google, Goldman Sachs, EY, Microsoft, PwC, etc.
The average salary for the University of Southern California MBA 2024 graduates is USD 144,442 (Around INR 1.25 Cr.). The job function-wise salary is given below:
Job Functions | Median Salary |
|---|---|
Consulting | USD 175,000 (Around INR 1.52 Cr.) |
Marketing / Sales | USD 120,000 (Around INR 1.04 Cr.) |
Finance | USD 138,650 (Around INR 1.2 Cr.) |
Operations / Logistics / Supply Chain | USD 127,250 (Around INR 1.2 Cr.) |
Other | USD 125,000 (Around INR 1.08 Cr.) |
General Management | USD 120,000 (Around INR 1.04 Cr.) |
University of Southern California Cost in INR
The University of Southern California cost comprises the tuition fee as well as the living expenses. The tuition fee is around INR 18 L – INR 1.02 Cr. Also Check: University of Southern California Fees
Living Expenses: The estimated expenses of USC 2024-25 for UG students are given below:
|
Particulars |
Expenses |
|---|---|
|
Fees |
USD 1,743 |
|
Housing |
USD 12,271 |
|
Food / meal plan |
USD 7,660 |
|
Books and supplies |
USD 1,200 |
|
Personal and Misc. |
USD 2,006 |
|
Transportation |
USD 441 |
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(132 courses) | INR 26 L - 96 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 9 months-5 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 80 - 114, PTE: 61 - 68, Duolingo, IELTS: 6.5 - 8, GMAT, GRE |
MBA/PGDM(28 courses) | INR 34 L - 1 CrGet Fee Details | Duration: 12 months-4 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 90 - 114, PTE: 61 - 70, Duolingo, IELTS: 6.5 - 8, GMAT, GRE |
B.A.(48 courses) | INR 61 L - 64 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE: 68 & Above, Duolingo: 130 & Above |
B.E. / B.Tech(18 courses) | INR 56 L - 62 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 - 110, PTE: 60 - 68, Duolingo: 130 & Above |
MPH(7 courses) | INR 44 L - 59 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 80 - 100, PTE: 61 & Above, Duolingo |
BBA(7 courses) | INR 61 L - 62 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE: 68 & Above, Duolingo: 130 & Above |
B.Sc.(29 courses) | INR 61 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
M.A.(14 courses) | INR 33 L - 72 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 11 months-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 - 8, TOEFL: 90 - 114, PTE: 61 - 68, Duolingo |
Others PG(7 courses) | INR 33 L - 68 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 11-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 - 8, TOEFL: 90 - 114, PTE, Duolingo |
MFA(6 courses) | INR 39 L - 47 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-3 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 90 - 100, PTE: 61 - 68, Duolingo, IELTS: 6.5 - 7 |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
The University of Southern California acceptance rate is around 10%, which means out of 100 applicants only 10 admitted. The moderatly high acceptance rate maskes USC admission highly competitive for international students. USC is one of the world’s leading private research universities and its acceptance rate is proof of the same. Applicants can apply for admission before the USC deadline.
There were a total of 69,062 freshman applicants at USC. The average unweighted GPA for entering freshman class reported is 3.82-4.00. Since USC is highly selective when it comes to admissions, students must have good scores. USC reviews the applicants’ performance in school, any test scores that have been submitted, writing skills, and personal qualities like leadership, community involvement, and leadership.
USC is more expensive than UCLA because of their different funding structures. The University of Southern California is a private university, while UCLA is a public institute that receives state funding, resulting in lower costs for California residents. The total cost for undergraduate students of USC University is around USD 95,225 (Around INR 80 L). Out of this, the tuition fee is around USD 69,904 (Around INR 58.7 L). The other expenses that a student has to bear are given below:
Particulars | Expenses |
|---|---|
Fees | USD 1,743 (Around INR 1.4 L) |
Housing | USD 12,271 (Around INR 10.3 L) |
Food / meal plan | USD 7,660 (Around INR 6.4 L) |
Books and supplies | USD 1,200 (Around INR 1 L) |
Personal and misc. | USD 2,006 (Around INR 1.6 L) |
Transportation | USD 441 (Around INR 37k) |
For the academic year 2024-25, the University of Southern California cost is USD 95,225. Out of this, the tuition fee is USD 69,904. The other fees required and living expenses are given as follows:
Particulars | Expenses |
|---|---|
Fees | USD 1,743 |
Housing | USD 12,271 |
Food / meal plan | USD 7,660 |
Books and supplies | USD 1,200 |
Personal and Misc. | USD 2,006 |
Transportation | USD 441 |
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.
University of Southern CaliforniaStudent profile
Others
51%
Asian
24%
Hispanic
17%
Black
6%
In state
41%
Out of state
40%
Foreign
18%
24 and under
97%
25 and over
2%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
USC Notable Alumni
USC's notable alumni include various popular names like Neil Armstrong (the first person to walk on moon), actor John Wayne, actress America Ferrara, creator of Star Wars and Indiana Jones George Lucas. Other prominent personalities of USC include George Lucas (Creator of Star Wars), Hwang Dong-hyuk (South Korean Director of Squid Games), etc.
|
Names |
Profession |
Picture |
|---|---|---|
|
Charles Bolden |
Former director of NASA and former Astronaut |
 |
|
Will Ferrell |
Actor and Comedian |
|
|
John Ritter |
Emmy award-winning actor |
 |
|
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto |
Former Prime Minister & President of Pakistan |
 |
|
Ron Mix |
Hall of Fame football player |
 |
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
The list of the Nobel Laureates of USC is given below:
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 |
The famous alumni of the USC include directors and producers like Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Shonda Rhimes, Ron Howard. Neil Armstrong also holds a degree from USC. Also, Sasha Obama graduated from the University of Southern California. In the sports department, the famous alumni of the university include NFL running back Reggie Bush, baseball player Mark McGwire, WNBA all-star Lisa Leslie.
The famous personalities who have passed from USC are:
- Zac Efron (Actor)
- Neil Armstrong (Astrounaut)
- John Wayne (Actor)
- George Lucas (Filmmaker)
- Jenna Dewan (Actress and Dancer)
- John Ritter (Actor)
- Patrick J. Adams (Actor)
- Troian Bellisario (Actress)
- Bob Saget (Comedian)
- Judd Apatow (Director, Producer, and Screewriter)
- Shonda Rhimes (TV producer, screenwriter)
- Regina King (Actress and Director)
USC Vs UCLA Vs ASU - Which is Better?
A comparison of the University of Southern California with other similar Universities such as Arizona State University and UCLA is given below. In terms of admission selectivity, USC and UCLA are almost at the same level. Both universities are very competitive with an acceptance rate around 9%.
| Parameters | USC | ASU | UCLA |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Rankings | #27 | #121 | #15 |
| No. of courses offered | 350+ | 200+ | 500+ |
| Annual tuition fees | INR 18.26 L - 1.04 Cr | INR 7 L - 57.5 L | INR 20.96 L - 66.94 L |
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% | 90% | 9% |
Compare University of Southern California with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 26.29 L - 96.12 L | #28 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 23.78 L - 69.99 L | #29 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 20.52 L - 65.35 L | #42 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 29.56 L - 71.5 L | #20 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 21.54 L - 79.2 L | #7 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 23.55 L - 64.45 L | #17 US News, 2026 |
CompareCommonly asked questions On Comparisons
The University of Southern California acceptance rate is 9.8% for Fall 2024. On the other hand, UCLA acceptance rate is around 9%. Though there is not much of a difference in the acceptance rate of both these universities, it is still worth noticing that these universities are very competitive. Both the universities have renowned academic programs but each have their own exceptional specific programs. USC is known for its Film and Television programme within the School of Cinematic Arts. Other strong programs of USC are Engineering, Communication and Journalism, Business Administration, etc. Highly ranked courses of UCLA belong from the schools like School of Nursing, School of Education and Information Sciences, School of Theater, Film and Television, etc. Deciding where to study out of USC or UCLA depends on students' choices eventually.
A comparison of USC and Purdue University in regards to Computer Science is given below:
Particulars | USC | Purdue |
|---|---|---|
Rankings 2025 (U.S. News) | #25 | #16 |
Tuition fees | USD 30,000 – USD 35,000 | USD 22,000 – USD 28,000 |
Acceptance rate for CS | 10% - 15% | 15% - 20% |
STEM OPT Extension | Yes | Yes |
USC is located in LA, closer to Silicon Valley. This means there is an easier access to LA, San Diego, and SF. There is a strong Indian alumni network in the companies like Amazon, Google, Netflix, Microsoft, etc. On the other hand, Purdue University has a strong alumni base in Chicago, Bay Area, and Austin. As per the Indian student alumni, USC is better due to its location, active Indian student community, and exposure to varied domains and electives. Whereas, Purdue is great due to strong academic and research foundation, more affordable, higher ROI.
University of Southern CaliforniaStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
USC Notable Faculty
The notable faculty of USC University include the following names:
|
|
USC Notable Faculty |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Leonard Adleman |
Aimee Bender |
Richard Bellman |
|
Warren Bennis |
Todd Boyd |
Jacob Soll |
|
Lloyd Welch |
Henry Jenkins |
Barry Boehm |
|
Drew Casper |
Diane Winston |
Manuel Castells |
|
Thomas Crew |
Scott Page |
Mark Kac |
USC Campus
There are two primary campuses of USC. The main campus of the University of Southern California is the University Park Campus. The size of this campus is 229 acres. This campus features the university’s 23 academic schools. USC’s Health Science campus size is 79 acres. It comprises the Keck School of Medicine as well as the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences complemented by three renowned teaching hospitals. Check more details about the University of Southern California campus.
Libraries
The University of Southern California’s Libraries are among the oldest private academic research libraries in California. The university’s 22 libraries and other archives hold nearly 4 million printed volumes, 6 million items in microforms, and 3 million photographs.
Housing
Students can utilize the on-campus housing facilities. They can live in residence halls, apartments, and suites. While staying in residential halls, students can stay in double occupancy rooms and share community bathrooms, study rooms, and workout areas. USC has three suite buildings: two on-campus and one in USC Village.
- The estimated housing is USD 12,879 (Around INR 11 lakh) for the academic year 2024-25
- The food / meal plan is USD 8,028 (Around IN 7 lakh)
Athletics
The athletics team of USC is known by the name Southern Cal Trojans. They participate in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a part of the Big Ten Conference. A few of the men’s sports at the university are Baseball, Basketball, Football, Golf, etc. On the other hand, a few of the women’s sports are Basketball, Cross-Country, Golf, Beach Volleyball, etc.
Student Life
To enjoy the University of Southern California campus life, students can enjoy film screenings, open mic nights, Bollywood fusion dance, etc. at the campus. The university offers 1000+ student clubs / organizations. A few of the categories of these student organizations are academic, club sport, health & wellness, political, social, spiritual, etc.
Newspaper
The Daily Trojan is the student newspaper of USC since 1912 and is a primary source of news and information on the campus. It covers campus news, publishes student opinions, cultural and lifestyle reporting, sports journalism, etc.
Commonly asked questions On Additional Details 1
To make the most of the social life at USC, students can do the following things:
- Visit the Trojan Shrine
- Check out the museums and galleries of the university such as USC Fisher Museum of Art, USC Pacific Asia Museum, etc.
- Check out the university scene at the USC Village
- Take part in student organizations
The main campus of the University of Southern California Campus is the University Park campus. The campus size of this main campus is 229 acres. This main campus comprises the university's 23 academic schools. This campus is within the walking distance to Los Angeles landmarks such as the Shrine Auditorium and Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
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.
USC Research
The University of Southern California is R1 University. As per the National Science Foundation, USC spent $891 million on research and development in 2018, ranking it 23rd in the nation. Amongst the faculty of USC, 17 are members of the National Academy of Sciences, 16 are members of the National Academy of Medicine, 97 are members of the American Association for the Advancement of the Science, etc. Furthermore, USC has two National Science Foundation-funded Engineering Research Centers: the Integrated Media Systems Center and the Center for Biomimetic Microelectronic systems.
USC has presently 10 Nobel Laureates on staff and its affiliates include 11 Rhode Scholars, 12 Marshall Scholars, and 6 McArthur Fellows.
Commonly asked questions On Additional Details
Yes, USC is a distinguished R1 University that provides a 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.
USC FAQs
As per the Freshman Fall data for 2024, USC University’s students had a median GPA of 3.77-4.00. For UG admissions, the university reviews the applications holistically. The university reviews the performance in school, rigor of the program, writing skills and test scores that students wish to submit. It also considers personal qualities, as revealed in community involvement, leadership and achievements.
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.
Since USC University is very competitive with an acceptance rate of 10%, it is advised to have the following in order to take admission:
- Have a good academic record. In short, try to achieve a good GPA: Most 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%
- Write excellent essays
- Craft an impressive application
- Develop personal characteristics such as leadership skills, community involvement and other achievements
Some of the tips for students starting their first semester at USC are given below:
- Stay organized while studying at USC. Set calendar events and reminders for everything
- Try to connect with professors and other students
- Get involved with sports teams, clubs, study groups, etc. This will help in developing relationships with people who will make the college experience better
The famous alumni at the University of Southern California include athletes, celebrities, and more. A few of the famous personalities who have studied from this university are given below:
- John Wayne: Businessperson, Film Producer
- Judd Apatow: Comedian, TV director
- Forest Whitaker: TV producer, Film Producer
- George Lucas: TV Producer, Entrepreneur
- Neil Armstrong: Professor, Astronaut
- Will Ferrell: Comedian, TV Producer
USC University has mentioned that no GPA required to get into the MBA course. However, with the facts of the recent class profile, the average GPA of the admitted students can be taken into consideration. So, as per it, the MBA Class of Fall 2024 had the average GPA of 3.5. The average GMAT score of the admitted students was 722 and the average GRE score was 324. Around 35% of the students were international. Many Indian students were also admitted to the MBA course. A 4-year UG degree or equivalent is required to get admission to this course with proper work experience and English language proficiency score.
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 the USC University application for UG course, the applicants must complete the following admission steps:
- Commit to enroll at USC
- Then, complete the financial aid application
- Next, apply for housing and activate USC NetID
- Then, sign up for orientation
- Next, submit the academic records
- Complete the health requirements and lastly, review international student requirements
To get into the USC MS in Engineering Management course, the applicants are required to have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Engineering-related disciplines. GRE score is not required for 2025 applicants. The application materials that are required are:
- Academic transcripts
- CV
- Personal statement
- 3 Letters of Recommendation highly recommended
The University of Southern California ranking in the National Universities category ranking in the 2025 edition is #27. It is a leading private research university and consistently rated among the top higher education institutions in California. Considering its reputation and selectivity for granting admissions, it can be said USC's acceptance rate is low. For the year 2024, the acceptance rate of this university is 9.8%. An overview of the university's 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% |
According to the facts for 2024, the total student enrollment at Southern California University is around 47,000 (rounded off). As of Fall 2024, 26.6% are international students. The number of Indian students enrolled in Fall 2024 is 2,400+. Including India, the top 5 countries represented by international students at USC are China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Canada.
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 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.
According to the student reviews over Shiksha Study Abroad, USC has got an overall rating of 3.7. Some of the reviews posted by students for USC are:
- USC is a decent university
- The university is a safe choice
- USC has an exceptionally qualified teaching faculty
- Health and mental peace are given importance at USC
University of Southern California
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
Some of the housing options available, along with the 2025-26 rates are given below for the University Southern California campus:
Housing Options | Rates/Semester |
|---|---|
Freshmen Residence Halls | |
Pardee Tower (PTD) | USD 6,190 (INR 5.29L) |
Birnkrant Residential College (BSR) | USD 6,190 – 8,345 (INR 5.29L - 7.13L) |
Undergraduate Apartments | |
Annenberg | USD 6,310 – 7,290 (INR 5.53L – 6.39L) |
Cardinal Gardens | USD 6,435 – 6,790 (INR 5.64L – 5.95L) |
La Sorbonne | USD 5,400 – 7,770 (INR 4.74L – 6.81L) |
Graduate Housing | |
Annenberg | USD 6,310 – 7,290 (INR 5.53L – 6.39L) |
Manor | USD 1,645 – 1,900 / Month (INR 1.44L – 1.67L / Month) |
Stardust | USD 1,585 – 1,900 / Month (INR 1.39L – 1.67L / Month) |
1 USD = INR 87.68
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Popular courses at the University of Southern California campus include MBA, MSc in Finance, MSc in Applied Data Science, etc. The list of some of the popularly chosen majors at USC as of Fall 2023, along with the percentage of degree recipients, is given below:
| Bachelor's degree | % | Master's degree | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Science | 22.4% | Computer Science | 10.9% |
| Computer Science | 5.61% | Management Science | 7.85% |
| Speech Communication & Rhetoric | 4.94% | Social Work | 5.94% |
| Human Biology | 4.43% | Electrical & Electronics Engineering | 3.75% |
| General Psychology | 3.47% | Informatics | 2.86% |
| Econometrics & Quantitative Economics | 3.27% | Other Communication & Media Studies | 2.78% |
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The number of international students enrolled at USC makes up about 26.6% of the total student body. These students represent 130 different countries, and India is one of the top countries of origin, with more than 2,400 students accounting for the Indian-origin students. The statistics for other co
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The total cost to study at USC depends on the course chosen by students. While the annual tuition fee at this university could range between INR 18.3 L - 1.04 Cr. The total cost would be inclusive of the living expenses and other personal expenses. The cost of attendance for the academic year 2025-2
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
USC ranks at #21 position for Computer Science – Best Graduate schools. As per the class profile of Computer Science course, 79% of enrolled students are international. Furthermore, the top companies hire the CS graduates such as Amazon, Google, Meta, Salesforce, and Microsoft, Adobe, etc. To take
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| Size of city | Large |
| Population of City | 39,99,759 |
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