

University of Southern California: Rankings, Popular Courses & Fees
- Private University
2 Campuses
- Estd. 1880
University of Southern California Rankings 2026
USC achieved a notable ranking of #27 in 2025 as per the Shiksha Popularity Ranking in the National University rankings. In the world rankings, the University of Southern California ranking is #108. A few of the subject rankings as per Shiksha Popularity rankings are #8 for BBA, #12 for MFA, #16 for MArch, #21 for MBA, etc.
By Other Ranking Bodies
In 2026, USC QS ranking is #146 in 2026. In the global rankings by Times Higher Education rankings, California Southern University ranking is #73 in 2026. In the National Universities rankings by U.S. News, USC ranking is #28 in 2026. This university ranks at #64 in the Best Value Schools category for 2026.
#108
#27
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
In the context of U.S. specific rankings, Southern California University indeed ranks among the Top 50 Universities in 2026. In the 2026 edition, USC ranks at #28 as per a top-ranking publisher. USC acceptance rate is very low as the university is very selective at the time of admission. The acceptance rate of this university is around 11.2%.
As per one global ranking publisher i.e. Times Higher Education, USC ranking is #73 in 2026. This rank places USC ranks among the Top 100 Universities in the world. In the subject rankings of THE 2025, a few of the subjects of this university rank at the following position:
- Social Sciences: 48
- Computer Science: #64
- Law: #77
- Life Sciences: #88
The University of Southern California's QS ranking is #146 in 2026. In the previous year, this university ranked at #125 in 2025. In the QS ranking of the current year, USC ranks among the Top 150 Universities in the world. Some of the subject rankings of this university for 2025 are given below:
- Communication and Media Studies: #7
- Petroleum Engineering: 37
- Computer Science and Information Systems: #49
- Psychology: #51
University of Southern California Courses
The University of Southern California courses are offered at the UG and PG levels through 23 schools and divisions. Over 150 UG and more than 200 PG courses are offered by USC. Study fields at this university are Engineering, Business, Humanities, Health Sciences, Media & Communication, etc.
USC Popular Courses
The USC courses among international students are MBA, MSc in Computer Science, Masters of Music in Screen Scoring and MSc in Applied Data Science. Some of the popular majors at this university are Visual and Performing Arts; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Psychology; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, etc.
USC Online Courses
The University of Southern California offers 100+ online Master's degrees, Graduate Certificates, and Doctoral programs. Study areas for the online courses are Business and Accounting, Cinematic Arts, Dentistry, Engineering, Health and Medicine, etc.

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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
USC MSc in Applied Data Science program allows students get trained in either Computer Science or either Engineering or scientific disciplines. The duration of this program is 1.5 - 2 years. This program features the application of knowledge and skill in hands-on type experiences. Also, the students of this program will be eligible for OPT STEM extension. The top employers of this course are Amazon, Google, Experian, Qualcomm, etc.
USC MSc in Applied Data Science duration is 1.5 – 2 years. According to the Class Profile 2023 for this, 75% were international students. Students completing this degree have learnt the skills required to work as a Data Scientist. Also, note that this program’s students are eligible for OPT STEM extension.
According to a renowned ranking publisher, the graduate Computer Science programme of USC is ranked at No. 21 in the latest rankings. According to the Department Profile for Fall 2024, 79% of students in the MS in Computer Science program are international. This programme provides intensive preparation in the concepts and techniques related to the design, programing, and application of computer systems. Some of the top employers of the USC MSc in CS graduates are Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, etc.
University of Southern California Admissions
To apply to USC, students can apply for UG courses via Common App. For graduate courses, students can apply via the direct university's application portal. For the completion of the University of Southern California admission process, students have to pay an application fee. For UG courses, the application fee is USD 85 and for most PG courses, it is USD 105 (USD 90 if students are applying for Spring 2026).
University of Southern California Application Deadlines
The application deadlines for USC vary as per courses. A few of the application deadlines for UG courses are given below:
| Particulars | Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Early Action (Most Majors) | Nov 1, 2025 |
| Regular Decision | Nov 1, 2025 |
| Regular Decision | Dec 1, 2025 |
University of Southern California Eligibility for Indian Students
For 2026-27, there is a test optional policy at USC. But, if students send the SAT or ACT scores, those will be considered. A checklist of documents that Indian students have to submit are:
- High school and college transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- GRE / GMAT scores
- Financial documents like proof of sufficiency funds, copy of passport, bank statement, etc.
- IELTS / TOEFL / PTE scores
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
For admission to USC UG courses, the Indian students should have completed high school. Admissions to UG courses is done holistically.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements
A Bachelor's degree is required for admission to USC UG courses. A standardized test score may also be required.
- Application fees :USD 85 - 155
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
| 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 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
USC University MSc in Finance admission requirement-
- Students must have a 3.0 GPA
- 4-year US UG degree
- Academic transcript
- Financial document
- GMAT or GRE score is required
- English language test score is needed
- Essays
- LOR are not required
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
University of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Southern California Scholarships
All international applicants who submit an application as per the deadline shall be considered for USC Merit scholarships to study undergraduate courses. 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. International students at USC are not eligible for financial aid. Details of USC scholarships are given below:
| Scholarship Type | Name | Amount Disbursed | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merit-Based | Trustee Scholarship | INR 59.6 L | UG |
| Merit-Based | Presidential Scholarship | INR 30.4 L | UG |
| Merit-Based | Dean’s Scholarship | INR 19.9 L | UG |
How to get Scholarship for USC?
The Merit Scholarship shall be automatically applied when the students' enrollment deposit is received by the specified deadline
- The merit-based scholarships at USC are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, service, leadership, and talent
- No minimum eligibility requirements are there for merit-based scholarships of USC
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
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
University of Southern California Popular Courses
University of Southern CaliforniaStudents Ratings & Reviews
- 37% students never faced discrimination in this university
University of Southern California Job Outcomes
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. International students at USC can work part-time. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semesters and 40 hours per week during the university and summer vacations.
USC Placement Rate
According to a recent report for 2024, the University of Southern California 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.).
ROI after Education from USC
| Course | Annual Fee (Investment) | Salary (ROI) |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | INR 71 Lakh | USD 144,442 (Around INR 1.25 Cr.) |
| UG | INR 56.32 L - 63.57 L | USD 85,000 (Around INR 75 lakh) |
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 was USD 1.4L (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.). Check the table mentioned 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.) |
On-campus employment is allowed for international students at USC. F1 students can work up to 20 hours a week during the Spring and Fall semesters. During the breaks, students can work 40 hours a week (full-time) during the semester breaks. A lot of international students apply for the following positions:
- Bookstore
- Libraries
- Department of Public Safety
- Transportation Services
- Hospitality Services
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
University of Southern CaliforniaStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.University of Southern California FAQs
Yes, most of the USC MBA admitted students have the work experience. The university recommends that applicants have a minimum of 2 years of work experience. To prove this, generally, the university requires students to submit a resume of one page. According to the Class profile of Fall 2024 for this course, the average years of work experience was 5.5 and the average age was 29 of the admitted students.
After submitting USC University application for UG course, students must complete following admission steps-
- Commit to enroll at USC
- Then, complete the financial aid application
- Next, apply for housing and activate USC NetID
- Complete the health requirements, and at the last, review international student requirements
In the case of UG admission, USC conducts a holistic review of the application to consider the academic and personal achievements. The things that are taken into consideration are:
- The performance in the school
- Writing skills
- Test scores (if submitted)
- Personal qualities
Most USC UG admitted students showcase superior academic performance and the potential to do more. These admitted students are ranked in the Top 10% of their graduating class, and their median standardized test score (if submitted) is in the Top 5% of all test-takers.
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
As of Fall 2024 the total student enrollment at Southern California University is around 47000 of which 26.6% are international students 2100+ are Indians also the top 5 countries of origin are China, South Korea, Taiwan and Canada.
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.
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 Master of Music Scoring course of the University of Southern California is a 9-month course designed for composers who want to work in the music industry. No auditions are required for admission to USC Master of Music course. Students must have an UG degree for admission to this course. An application fee for USD 105 (Around INR 9,500) has to be paid too along with the academic transcripts, resume, LOR, etc.
University of Southern California
Student Forum
Answered 5 months ago
Popular courses at the University of Southern California campus include MBA, MSc in Finance, etc. The list of some of the popularly chosen majors at USC as of Fall 2023, along with the percentage of degree recipients are listed 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 5 months ago
USC is among the top choices of Indian students to continue higher education. India is one of the top countries of origin with more than 2,400 students accounting for the Indian origin students. The stats for other countries as of 2024 are mentioned below:
| Nationality | Headcount |
|---|---|
| China | 5,993 |
| India | 2,444 |
| South Korea | 510 |
| Taiwan | 491 |
| Canada | 392 |
| Iran | 162 |
| Hong Kong | 151 |
| Indonesia | 143 |
| Saudi Arabia | 115 |
| United Kingdom | 106 |
| All other countries | 1,867 |
| Total | 12,374 |
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 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
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 months ago
Because of USC's proximity to Hollywood, close ties between the entertainment industry and the School of Cinematic Arts, and the architecture on the campus, the university has been used for various movies, TV series, music videos, and commercials. As per IMDB, the campus of this university has been
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 months ago
In the National Universities category by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Southern California ranks at #27 in 2025. Whereas, according to Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, this university ranks at #30 in 2025. This shows that this university ranks among the Top 50 Universities in the
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Contributor-Level 10
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