University of Southern California (USC): Rankings, Fees, Programs, Placements
- A+ Shiksha Grade
- Private University
- 2 Campuses
- Estd. 1880
USCWhat’s new?
The USC Regular Decision application deadline for UG applicants requiring a portfolio or audition is Dec 1, 2024.
- About University of Southern California
- Programs
- Scholarships
- Admissions 2025
- Cost
- USC Student Reviews
- Placements
- Rankings 2025
- USC Vs UCLA Vs ASU
- Studying in USA
- Notable Alumni
- Campus Life
- FAQs
Programs
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 at USC University 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 duration of the USC MBA program is 2 years, whereas, that of MSc in Computer Science is 1.5 – 2 years.
A few of the popular majors at USC include Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Engineering; Social Sciences; Psychology; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; etc. The courses studied by the alumni of USC are listed below:
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Q: Does the University of Southern California have a good Computer Science program?
According to a renowned ranking publisher, the graduate Computer Science programme of USC is ranked at No. 15 in the Best Engineering Schools in the 2023-24 rankings. According to the class profile 2023, 81% of students in the MS in Computer Science programme 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.
Q: How long is Applied Data Science at USC?
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.
Q: Is USC good for M.Sc in Applied Data Science?
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.
Q: Is the University of Southern California MBA worth studying?
The combination of industry-informed curriculum and intentional course modality with cohort-learning model and expert faculty ranks the University of Southern California Marshall's MBA among the top MBA programs in the US. Candidates need to have a GMAT score of 732 for getting into USC MBA. Also, candidates need to meet a minimum USC graduate GPA of 3.20 for the University of Southern California MBA.
Q: What does USC Health Campus specialize in?
The University of Southern California Health Sciences campus is a 70-acre campus located Northeast of Downtown Los Angeles and adjacent to Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center. It is home to houses the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Programs in Occupational Sciences and Physical Therapy, the School of Pharmacy, and research labs for the School of Dentistry and 3 major teaching hospitals.
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 USC. To learn more about this, applicants are required to refer to the university’s official website.
this University18 exclusive scholarships available368.6 Cr worth total scholarship amount
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Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Q: Does the University of Southern California give scholarships to international students?
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?
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?
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?
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 Awards | Approximately USD 21,240 (INR 17,61,858)+ tuition reduction to in-state + USD 15,000 (INR 12,44,250) enrichment fund |
McNair Scholars Awards | USD 22,000 (INR 18,24,900)+ tuition reduction to in-state + USD 12,000 (INR 9,95,400) enrichment fund |
Horseshoe Scholars Awards | USD 11,000 (INR 9,12,450)+ tuition reduction to in-state rate |
*USD/INR = 82.95
Admissions 2025
To apply to the USC UG courses, the applicants can apply via Common Application. 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 deadlines for UG courses are given below:
Type of Deadline |
Application Deadline |
---|---|
Early Action |
Nov 1, 2024 |
Regular Decision |
|
Admission Requirements for International Students
The general USC admission requirements are given below:
- UG: The applicants should have Secondary and Senior-Secondary qualification. Competitive applicants must have achieved high marks, primarily A1 and A2 grades or 80 above scores
- PG: Indian applicants should have a 4-year bachelor’s degree or master’s degree (for 3-year bachelor degree holder)
Acceptance Rate
According to the data for Fall 2023, 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
Also Check: University of Southern California Admissions
- 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 |
Intake season | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | 15ᵗʰ Dec 2024 |
Spring | 1ˢᵗ Sep 2023 - 1ˢᵗ Sep 2024 |
Summer | 15ᵗʰ Jan - 15ᵗʰ Nov 2023 |
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Q: How to get into USC as an international student?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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
USCStudents Ratings & Reviews
- Sporty
- Academically oriented
- Multi-dimensional
- Fun loving
- 35% students never faced discrimination in this university
Placements
According to a recent report by USC's Marshall, 97% of MBA graduates had jobs within 3 months after graduation. This is the highest percentage ever of the placement. On average, the base salaries were also at a 5-year high -USD 150,314
Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
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. Check the USC placement details from here. Here are some of the job sectors where USC alumni are working:
ROI after Education from USC
USC MBA tuition fee is around INR 67 Lakh and as per a report, the average salary is USD 150,314 (Around INR 1 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, NBCUniversal, etc
Top Recruiters
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Q: What are the placement statistics of Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and the University of Southern California (USC)?
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)?
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/College | Salary |
---|---|
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?
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?
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
According to Shiksha’s rankings, the overall grade that has been offered to the USC is A+. In the context of the University of Southern California rankings by a top-ranking publisher, it is one of the Top 100 Universities in the world to study. The University of South California ranking is #27 for the National Universities category for the 2025 edition of Best Colleges as per a top-ranking publisher. In 2024, it is placed at #28 position. This shows that there has been an improvement in the USC rankings for the US specifically. In the world ranking, USC ranks at #125 position in 2025 and #116 position in 2024. As per another top-ranking publisher, this university ranks at #74 position. Check this page to know the latest and previous years’ University of Southern California rankings.
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Q: Is the University of Southern California a top university?
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?
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?
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?
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
USCStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.FAQs
Q: Does USC have a good reputation?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
USC
Student Forum
Answered a week ago
USC California is slightly expensive for international students as the first-year cost of some courses is above INR 50 L. However, there are some University of Southern California courses that are available for below INR 35 L for first-year. The below table includes the list of courses and the Unive
Answered a week ago
There are two campuses at the University of Southern California i.e., the University Park Campus (main campus) and Health Sciences Campus. The total area of the main campus is around 226 acres and it features most of the university's 23 academic schools and units. In the northeast lies USC Health Sc
Answered 2 weeks ago
USC Law is one of California’s top law schools. It is one of the highest-ranked law schools in Southern California. In the U.S. News & World Report rankings, USC (Gould) is ranked at No. 20 in the Best Law Schools category. A few of the indicators used to calculate the rankings for the Law schools a
Answered 3 weeks ago
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, An
Answered 3 weeks ago
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 co
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Is USC expensive for international students?