University of Southern California
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University of Southern California (USC): Rankings, Fees, Programs, Placements

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  • Private University
  • Institute Icon2 Campuses
  • Estd. 1880
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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 4 Nov '24, by Akanksha Malhotra (Study Abroad Expert)

USC
What’s new?

The USC Regular Decision application deadline for UG applicants requiring a portfolio or audition is Dec 1, 2024. 

Latest news and articles
Oct 20, 2024
USC Marshal Business School’s MBA Essay Prompts 2024-2...Read More
USC Marshal Business School’s MBA Essay Prompts 2024-25

About University of Southern California

Accordion Icon V3
Year of establishment
1880
Also known as
USC
University website
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Student website
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Total foreign students
12265
Campus size
229 acres
No. of campus
2
Scholarships available
18
Endowment value
USD 5 billion
Scholarships granted
14211
Scholarship amount granted
USD 619 million
Application fees
USD 85
English proficiency test
Required
Accepted exams
SAT/ACT accepted
Optional
Total faculty
4544
Faculty/Student ratio
9
Male/Female ratio
1.04
UG/PG course ratio
3.11
Total criminal offences
498
Quick university statsInsights on student demographics, enrolment, and academic success
UG Race

Others

51%

Asian

24%

Hispanic

17%

Black

6%

UG Student residence

In state

41%

Out of state

40%

Foreign

18%

UG Age distribution

24 and under

97%

25 and over

2%

UG Applicant Icon

UG Number of Applicant

69062
grad RateIcon

Overall Graduation Rate

0.97
UG Enroll Icon

UG Enrollment

20699
PG Enroll Icon

PG Enrollment

28246
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Highlights

Q:   Is USC hard to get into?

A: 

USC is one of the world’s leading private research universities and its acceptance rate is proof of the same. When it comes to admission, then University of Southern California is very selective. The University of Southern California acceptance rate reported for Fall 2023 is just 10%. There were a total of 80,808 freshman applicants at USC, out of which admitted students were 8,094. The average unweighted GPA for entering freshman class reported is 3.79-4.00. Since USC is highly selective when it comes to admissions, students must have good scores. The University of Southern California reviews the applicants’ performance in school, any test scores that have been submitted, writing skills, and personal qualities like leadership, community involvement, and leadership.

Q:   Is GRE required for MS in CS at USC?

A: 

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:

Q:   What courses is USC known for?

A: 

A few of the popular majors at USC are Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Social Sciences; Engineering; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Psychology; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, etc. The 5 most popular majors among the 2022 graduates of USC are listed below:

  • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
  • Visual and Performing Arts
  • Social Sciences
  • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
  • Engineering

As per the information available on the web, a few courses that were opted by the USC alumni are shown in the pie-chart given below: 

University of Southern California Popular Courses

Q:   How can I get into the University of Southern California from India?

A: 
International students who wish to study at USC University must meet the below admission requirements:

USC UG requirements:

  • Complete Year X and Year XII state board or CBSE/ICSE exams.
  • Competitive applicants typically achieve high marks, primarily A1 and A2 grades or scores above 80.
  • Additional test scores of ACT/SAT (not mandatory)
  • English language proficiency test score

USC PG requirements:

  • A bachelor's degree from recognized university/college
  • GRE or GMAT as per your program requirement
  • English language proficiency test score
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Recommendation Letters

Check the Requirements to Study in the USA for International Students

Q:   Is USC an Ivy League university?

A: 

No, the University of Southern California is not an Ivy League school but it is a prestigious university. The University of Southern California offers many of the same benefits as an Ivy League school like specialised education and state-of-the-art research facilities. Apart from this, the alumni of the University of Southern California include many famous actors, actresses and filmmakers. Talents like Forest Whitaker, Judd Apatow, and Robert Zemeckis call USC their alma mater. Also, the University of Southern California is known for its economic impact as it contributes USD 8 billion annually to Los Angeles County and California.

Scholarships

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Alternative Star Icon18 exclusive scholarships availableAlternative Star Icon368.6 Cr worth total scholarship amount
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We have helped students get 30Cr+ in scholarships

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Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships

Q:   Does the University of Southern California give scholarships to international students?

A: 

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.

Q:   Does USC give scholarships to Indian students?

A: 

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. Check more details about the University of Southern California Scholarships from our page.

Q:   Does the University of Southern California offer full scholarships to international students?

A: 

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

Q:   What are the most prestigious scholarship awards of USC?

A: 

The University of South Carolina offers a number of scholarships to international students. However, the Stamps, McNair and Horseshoe Scholars Awards are the most prestigious scholarships awards given to international students by USC. Each year 45 international students are given these awards based on strong academic records and leadership qualities. 

Scholarship Awards
Stamps Scholars AwardsApproximately USD 21,240 (INR 17,61,858)+ tuition reduction to in-state + USD 15,000 (INR 12,44,250) enrichment fund
McNair Scholars AwardsUSD 22,000 (INR 18,24,900)+ tuition reduction to in-state + USD 12,000 (INR 9,95,400) enrichment fund
Horseshoe Scholars AwardsUSD 11,000 (INR 9,12,450)+ tuition reduction to in-state rate

*USD/INR = 82.95

Admissions 2025

  • Application fees :USD 85 - 155
  • Type of deadline :Depends on course
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNeeded for few courses
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNeeded for few courses
CVNeeded for few courses
Additional documentsRequired
USC Marshal Business School’s MBA Essay Prompts 2024-25
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Calendar IconImportant dates
Intake seasonDeadline
Fall15ᵗʰ Dec 2024
Spring1ˢᵗ Sep 2023 - 1ˢᵗ Sep 2024
Summer15ᵗʰ Jan - 15ᵗʰ Nov 2023
Admission details of all coursesRight Arrow Icon
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   How to get into USC as an international student?

A: 

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

Q:   What are the prerequisites for MSc in Applied Data Science at USC?

A: 

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

Q:   How long does it take to hear back from the University of Southern California?

A: 

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

Q:   What GPA do you need for a USC Masters in Finance?

A: 

USC University MSc in Finance admission requirements:

  • The applicants are required to have a 3.0 GPA at the time of application
  • A 4-year US bachelor’s degree with a competitive GPA is required
  • Academic transcripts
  • Financial documents
  • GMAT / GRE score is required
  • English language proficiency test score is needed
  • Essays
  • Letters of recommendation are neither required nor recommended

Q:   Is GMAT required to pursue an MBA at USC?

A: 

Yes, a GMAT score is required to get into the MBA course of Southern California University. The average GMAT score is 722 for Fall 2023 entering class. The application requirements to get into this course are:

  • Application for admission with $155 application fee
  • 4-year UG degree or equivalent
  • Academic transcripts
  • Two required essays (Additional one, optional)
  • A resume
  • TOEFL / IELTS score

Cost

Accordion Icon V3
Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MS(106 courses)
INR 25 L - 68 L
Duration12 months-5 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL: 90 - 100, IELTS: 6.5 - 7, PTE: 61 - 68
MBA/PGDM(28 courses)
INR 32 L - 1 Cr
Duration12 months-4 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL: 90 - 114, IELTS: 6.5 - 8, PTE: 61 - 70
MIM(26 courses)
INR 32 L - 65 L
Duration12 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL: 90 - 114, IELTS: 6.5 - 8, PTE: 70 & Above
PG Certificate(40 courses)
INR 18 L - 64 L
Duration5 months-5 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 90 - 100, PTE: 61 & Above
B.A.(46 courses)
INR 57 L - 60 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE: 68 & Above
MPH(7 courses)
INR 51 L - 55 L
Duration2-5 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 90 - 100, PTE
B.Sc.(30 courses)
INR 57 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE: 68 & Above
M.A.(13 courses)
INR 31 L - 68 L
Duration11 months-3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6 - 8, TOEFL: 90 - 114, PTE: 61 - 68
B.E. / B.Tech(18 courses)
INR 53 L - 57 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE: 60 - 68
MFA(7 courses)
INR 30 L - 45 L
Duration18 months-3 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL: 90 - 100, IELTS: 6.5 - 7, PTE: 61 - 68
Read more
View Course Wise Fees ->
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   Does the University of Southern California accept international students?

A: 

Yes, USC accepts international students. With students representing 135 countries around the world, USC’s student body is rich in diversity. International students at USC make up more than a quarter of the entire student population. Also, international students are offered scholarships. The merit scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, service or talent.

Also Read: Why is US a Popular Destination for Students?

Q:   How expensive is USC for international students?

A: 

The University of Southern California cost for international students can be checked from the table given below:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

MIM (26 courses)

INR 32 L - 64 L

BE (103 courses)

INR 25 L - 67 L

Cost PG (8 courses)

INR 31 L - 64 L

Cost7 (28 courses)

INR 32 L - 1 Cr

PG Certificate (40 courses)

INR 18 L - 64 L

BA (47 courses)

INR 50 L

BSc (30 courses)

INR 50 L - 55 L

MA (13 courses)

INR 34 L - 60 L

BE / BTech (18 courses)

INR 49 L - 55 L

BBA (7 courses)

INR 49 L - 55 L

LLM (8 courses)

INR 58 L

Cost of Living: The estimated USC cost of living for undergraduate students for the academic year 2023-24 is given below:

Particulars

Expenses

Housing

USD 11,910

Food / meal plan

USD 7,290

Books and supplies

USD 1,200

Personal and Misc. expenses

USD 1,820

Transportation

USD 464

Also Read: Cost of Living in USA for International Students 

Q:   How hard is it to get into USC?

A: 

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.

Q:   How hard is it to get into USC Masters?

A: 

The acceptance rate for the University of Southern California Master’s Program is just 12%. The applicants have to go the extra mile to stand out from the crowd. In order to maximise the chances of getting into USC, start preparing for the admission process early, meaning studying for standardised tests, participating in extracurricular activities, striving for a high GPA, starting your application on time, and submitting it before the deadline.

Q:   What is the acceptance rate for University of Southern California for Indian students?

A: 

The acceptance rate for the University of Southern California BJMC Program is just 12%, the applicants have to go the extra mile to stand out from the crowd. In order to maximize the chances of getting into USC, start preparing for the admission process early, meaning studying for standardized tests, participating in extracurricular activities, striving for a high GPA, starting your application on time, and submitting it before the deadline.

USC
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.6/5
Verified Icon15 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Vibe of Campus
  • Sporty
  • Academically oriented
  • Multi-dimensional
  • Fun loving
Student Views
  • 35% students never faced discrimination in this university
Internships3.3
Part time work3.5
Post study jobs3.5
Quality of faculty4.4
Student Life4.2
Value for money3.3
Public transportation3.5
Safety3.4
Indian Food3.9
Permanent Immigration2.9
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
M.S. in Spatial Economics and Data Analysis - Batch of 2025
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.
Reviewed on 16 Jul 2024Read more
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G
Ganpati Goel Verified Icon
MS in Engineering Management (MSEMT) - Batch of 2023
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.
Reviewed on 5 Jun 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
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.
Reviewed on 8 Feb 2024Read more
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A
Agraj Khare Verified Icon
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
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.
Reviewed on 15 Mar 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
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.
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
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.
Reviewed on 29 Jan 2024Read more
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Placements

Top Recruiters

Amazon.com
HSBC
Apple
ESPN
Deloitte
Bain and Company
Linkedin
Boeing
Barclays Bank
Osmosys
Cisco Systems
ebay
IBM
Bloomberg
Hyundai
Hewlett Packard
Google
Citigroup
Amazon
Sandisk
pwc
PayPal
Schlumberger
Intel
Samsung
Disney
Goldman Sachs
CapGemini
Accenture
Adobe
Yahoo
Walmart
Unilever
Oracle
AT&T
Morgan Stanley
SAP
Toshiba
Microsoft
McKinseyCompany
Bank of America
Hitachi
Barclays Capital
TATA Consultancy Services
Cognizant
Credit Suisse
Mitsubishi
Adidas
Facebook
Ernst & Young
Starbucks
LG Electronics
Infosys
UBER
Johnson Johnson
Korean Air
KPMG
pwc
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Commonly asked questions
On Placements

Q:   What are the placement statistics of Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and the University of Southern California (USC)?

A: 

There are over 20 IITs in India to study and the University of Southern California (USC) is among the top-ranked university in the USA to study. They both offer better placements to their graduates. According to IIT Placements, the highest domestic package range is INR 20 L to INR 1 Cr annually. The highest domestic package range at USC is INR 60 L to INR 1.40 Cr annually.

Q:   What are the placement statistics of Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and University of Southern California (USC)?

A: 

Students get better placements at Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and the University of Southern California (USC). We have compared both in terms of salary in the table below:

University/CollegeSalary
Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT)INR 9 L to INR 1.20 Cr
University of Southern California (USC)INR 60 L to INR 1.40 Cr

Q:   Who are the top employers of the University of Southern California MSc in Computer Science?

A: 

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.

Q:   What is the average salary offered to an MBA graduate of USC?

A: 

The average salary of the USC MBA graduates for the Class of 2023 is $150,081. This is equivalent to INR 1.25 Cr. 86% of the full-time MBA students are employed within 90 days of graduation. A few of the top employers of MBA Class of 2022 are Amazon, Apple, Google, Goldman Sachs, EY, PwC, etc.







Rankings 2025

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Rankings

Q:   Is the University of Southern California a top university?

A: 

According to a top-ranking publisher, USC ranks at the #28 position in 2024 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 #79 position for 2024-25. In the previous year, it was placed at #80 position. This shows there has been improvement in this universities Global Universities category. In the 2025 ranking, USC ranks at #125 position. This shows that the university ranks among the Top 150 Universities in the World.

Q:   Where is USC ranked in the world?

A: 

USC is a top-ranked university globally. As per a ranking publisher 2024, USC ranks at the #116 position. According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024, USC has been placed at #74 position. In the Global Universities category, USC ranks at #79 position for 2024-25 as per a top-ranking publisher. 

Q:   Where does the USC School of Journalism rank?

A: 

QS World University Rankings placed USC at No. 2 in its 2022 subject rankings for Communication and Media Studies. Even in 2023, USC has been placed in the 2nd position by QS rankings. USC has been consistently ranking in the same position since 2020.

Q:   What is the rank of USC in LLM?

A: 

According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of Southern California ranks at No. 20 for its Law school (Gould) in the best law schools category in 2023. The parameters that are considered by U.S. News & World Report for evaluating the institutes are:

  • Faculty Resources

  • Successful placements of graduates

  • Academic achievements of entering students

  • Opinions by law schools, judges, and lawyers on overall programme quality

USC Vs UCLA Vs ASU

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Compare USC with other similar colleges

MS
MBA/PGDM
MIM
PG Certificate
B.A.
MPH
B.Sc.
M.A.
B.E. / B.Tech
MFA
College1st Year Tuition FeesShiksha GradeRanking

USC

INR 24.77 L - 67.69 LA+#125 QS, 2025
INR 22.41 L - 31.44 LA+#72 QS, 2025

University of Washington

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INR 19.33 L - 46.35 LA+#76 QS, 2025

Rochester Institute

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INR 35.3 L - 49.42 LB+#1001 QS, 2025

UW Madison

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INR 14.48 L - 41.44 LA+#116 QS, 2025

University of Arizona

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INR 25.5 L - 37.54 LA#293 QS, 2025
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
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USC
Studying in USA

Key Facts About USA

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in USA
school Key Fact Icon
963+
backpack Key Fact Icon
4.66L
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
20 hours per week
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
12 months
Country stats
mapPin Key Fact Icon
Washington D.C.
keyUsers Key Fact Icon
334.23M (2023)
chartMixed Key Fact Icon
2%
letterA Key Fact Icon
English
Weather
November
CF
Popular LocationsMinMax
Boston311
New York512
Chicago410
Los Angeles1223
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Notable Alumni

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Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Alumni

Q:   What famous person went to the USC?

A: 

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.

Q:   Who are the Nobel Laureates of USC?

A: 

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

Q:   What are the famous personalities who have passed from USC?

A: 

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)

Campus Life

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Commonly asked questions
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Q:   How can I enjoy USC campus life?

A: 

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

Check the List of the Things to do on USC Campus from here

FAQs

Q:   Does USC have a good reputation?

A: 

According to the student reviews over Shiksha Study Abroad, USC has got an overall rating of 3.6. For the student life, it has received the rating of 4.2, for the quality of faculty, it ha sreceived rating of 4.4, for public transport, the university has received a rating of 3.5. 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

Q:   What are some tips for getting into USC?

A: 

Since USC is very competitive with an acceptance rate of 10%, it is advised to have the following in order to take admission to USC:

  • 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

Q:   What are some useful tips for students starting their first semester at USC?

A: 

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

Q:   What are the entry requirements for the University of Southern California MSc in CS?

A: 

To get into the USC MSc in CS program, the applicants are required to have a UG degree in Computer Science or its equivalent. The application requirements for the MSc in CS course are given below:

  • Resume / CV
  • Academic transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • Letters of recommendations

Note: GRE score is not required for 2025 USC applications

Q:   What type of person goes to USC?

A: 

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.

Q:   What GPA doI need to get admission at University of Southern California?

A: 

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.    

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Akanksha Malhotra

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Akanksha Malhotra is a Content Writer / Editor at Shiksha.com's Study Abroad vertical, creating content for University pages. She is a seasoned education writer with 5+ years of experience, including writing articles for all-India and state levels, r...Read Full Bio
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USC
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University CityLos Angeles, California, USA
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Population of City39,99,759

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University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA

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