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University of Southern California Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

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USC Admissions
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The University of Southern California admission 2025 is open for international students. Applicants can submit their online application for UG admission through 'Common App' and via 'Official Website' for graduate admission. Mentioned below are the University of Southern California application deadlines by which applicants must submit their application for UG and PG admission:

  • The University of Southern California deadlinefor UG Early Action/ Decision is Nov 1, 2025, and Dec 1, 2025 for Regular Decision.
  • The deadline for graduate admission varies by program for international students
  • The USC MBA application deadline for all rounds has closed.

University of Southern California Admissions 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
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:   What are the requirements for admission to University of Southern California?
A: 

The University of Southern California admission requirements vary as per the application type for international students. Applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency to get into the university. Mentioned below are the requirements for undergraduate and graduate admission at the university:

UG requirements

  • Complete a high school degree in a relevant discipline
  • Must meet English language requirements
  • Submit ACT/SAT scores
  • Provide a letter of recommendation
  • Provide portfolio, resume, and/or additional writing samples (if required)

PG requirements

  • Complete a four-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from an accredited institution
  • Submit GMAT or GRE scores (if applicable) (Check: GMAT/GRE Test Waiver Request Option)
  • Two required essays (there is also one optional essay)
  • Submit a professional resume (typically one page)
  • Must provide a valid TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable). This applies to most international applicants (non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents)
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:   How to apply for USC MBA?
A: 

 In order to apply for the graduate courses at the University of Southern California, first of all, review the programme and application requirements. Check application deadlines, appear for standardized tests (if applicable), and collect the required documents. Then, complete the online application, and submit the required documents. Lastly, check your admission decision.

Q:   How can I apply for BJMC at USC?
A: 

 In order to apply for BJMC at USC, first of all, do refer to the admission requirements and application deadline. Then, fill out the application form and submit it with the required documents. Once all the required application materials have been submitted, check the status of your admission application.

University of Southern California MS Admission 2025

132 courses 9 months - 5 years
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₹ 25.4L - 92.9L

iconEligibility Criteria

  • Accepting Exams: TOEFL, Duolingo, IELTS, PTE, GMAT, GRE
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Commonly asked questions
On MS Admissions
Q:   What is the average salary after doing MS in CS from USC?
A: 

 According to Emolument, the average salary of an MS graduate of USC is $100,000. Even unofficial sources cite that the MS in Computer Sciences graduates of USC can get around $100,000+ per year. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the Computer Science graduate school of USC at #23 position.

Q:   What is the CGPA requirement for MS in CS at the University of Southern California?
A: 

As such, USC does not have a university-wide minimum GPA requirement for admission into graduate courses. The applicants who want to take admission in the graduate courses of USC are evaluated on the factors like academic performance, statement of purpose, test scores, letters of recommendation, and whether or not their academic and research interests are the required fit with the degree program.

View course details

University of Southern California Application Process 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Application Process
Q:   Why choose the University of Southern California?
A: 

The USC is a popular private research university in California. Students are compelled to take admission to USC for its research opportunities, academic offerings, and diverse campus. Along with this, there are various reasons to join the university. Some of the crucial reasons are discussed below:

  • Academic programs: The university offers over 300 master's and bachelor's degree programs. Some popular programs include Management of Drug Development, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Spatial Economics and Data Analysis, and more.
  • Affordability: The tuition cost of the UG and PG programs are quite affordable. The tuition fees ranges between INR 54 L and INR 61 L, and between INR 18 L and INR 1 Cr for postgraduate programs.
  • Reputation: The university ranked #27 among national universities, #65 in best value schools, and #9 for Business programs.
  • Small class size: With a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the university offers a small class experience where 62% of the classes have fewer than 20 students.
Q:   Is 1400 a good SAT score for USC?
A: 

According to the official source, ACT and SAT scores are one of the crucial criteria while choosing an undergraduate applicant. The minimum SAT score expected by the university is 650. Although the students who got selected scored between 1440 and 1550. Scoring 1400 on the SAT may not help the student to get into the university because of the stringent admission. They must score at least 1440 to beat the competition. On the other hand, the official expectation for ACT score is 27 or above, but students must aim between 32 and 35 for UG admission.

Q:   What GPA do you need to get into the University of Southern California?
A: 

As specified by USC itself, there is no minimum requirement or cut-off for grades, class rank or test scores for admission. USC evaluates incoming first-year students through an individualized and compressive review process that takes many factors into account like academic performance and personal characteristics. USC will review the following things before granting admission:

  • Performance in school

  • Rigor of your program

  • Writing skills

  • Any test score, if submitted

  • Personal qualities as brought to light in community involvement, leadership and achievements

Q:   How to get into USC from India?
A: 

International students must fulfill the basic eligibility and submit the required documents as requested by the University of Southern California. Students must adhere to the University of Southern California admission process to get into USC from India:

  • Explore programs: Students can explore programs from over 300 UG and PG courses, and can select the programs that align with their interests and show intellectual goals
  • Fulfill eligibility: Undergraduate students must showcase their high school completion and a bachelor's degree from a recognised university or equivalent for a postgraduate degree.
  • Fill out the application: UG applicants can fill out their application via Common App, while PG applicants must apply using the University portal. Submit all the required documents, such as academic transcripts, standardized test scores, essay, letter of recommendation, etc.
  • Pay application fee: The USC application fee for UG is USD 85 (INR 7k), and USD 90 (7.5k) for PG.
  • Await response: Students must wait for a response and can expect it between 3-4 weeks after applying.

University of Southern California Enrollment Statistics 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Admission
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 can I increase my chances of getting into USC?
A: 

The University of Southern California is very selective when it comes to admissions. Since the recorded USC’s acceptance rate for Fall 2022 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.

Q:   How many international students are present at the University of Southern California?
A: 

According to the official statistics for Fall 2024, over 82,000 applications were received by the University of Southern California, of which more than 8,000 students were admitted, and only 3,489 got enrolled. Out of the total enrollment, 26.6% of students were international. Students can check the enrollment statistics and ethnicity breakdown for the Fall admission below:

Particulars

Headcount 2024

Fall Applicants

82,027

Fall Admits

8,050 (9.8% admitted)

Fall Enrolls

3,489 (43.3% yield)

Ethnicity Breakdown:

Ethnicity

Percentage of students

Asian

19.8%

Black/African American

6.1%

Hispanic

17.1%

White/Caucasian

21.9%

International

26.6%

Other

8.5%

Q:   Is housing available at the University of Southern California?
A: 

Yes, the University of Southern California offers various housing options to international students. Some of the popular ones are Weston House, Wallace House, Monty Lodge, Griffith Hall, Park Villa, Carriage House, and more. The monthly expenses of some of the accommodations are given below:

Housing options

Monthly Cost

Weston House

USD 1,100

Monty Lodge

USD 5,000

Wallace House

USD 1,000

 

USC
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.7/5
Verified Icon18 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Vibe of Campus
  • Academically oriented
  • Fun loving
  • Sporty
  • Multi-dimensional
Student Views
  • 40% students never faced discrimination in this university
Internships3.4
Part time work3.5
Post study jobs3.6
Quality of faculty4.4
Student Life4.3
Value for money3.3
Public transportation3.7
Safety3.4
Indian Food4
Permanent Immigration3
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Science in Applied Data Science - Batch of 2025
4.6
The university offers a diverse range of on-campus job opportunities.
Tips: USC has a strong reputation for attracting top companies to campus for recruitment. Located in Los Angeles, a vibrant city with a diverse economy, it offers students access to numerous internship and job opportunities. Its proximity to the Bay Area, the heart of the tech industry, further enhances these prospects. Many students find internships and full-time roles at leading tech companies, entertainment firms, and startups in both regions. However, it is crucial for prospective studentsespecially international ones, to plan their finance carefully before joining. While on-campus jobs and internships can help support living expenses, they are not guaranteed and may not fully cover tuition or housing costs. Proper budgeting and having a clear understanding of expenses beforehand will ensure a smoother academic journey and allow students to take full advantage of the opportunities available.
Likes (Post study jobs): USC enjoys a strong reputation for attracting a wide range of companies for recruitment, offering students excellent career opportunities. Many organisations, ranging from tech giants to startups, regularly visit the campus for career fairs, internships, and full-time placements. The institution's emphasis on practical learning and industry collaboration further enhances student employability. Being located in Los Angeles, a major metropolitan hub, also adds to the appeal. The city itself is home to a thriving ecosystem of technology, entertainment, healthcare, and finance companies, making it easier for students to network and find off-campus internships during or after their studies. Furthermore, Los Angeles's proximity to the Bay Area, unarguably the heart of global technology and innovation, provides an additional advantage. Students can explore opportunities with leading tech firms headquartered there, including those offering summer internships or co-op programs.
Dislikes (Internships): The university offers a diverse range of on-campus job opportunities, which are beneficial for students looking to gain practical experience, support themselves financially, and integrate into campus life. These jobs span across departments such as libraries, dining services, administrative offices, research labs, and IT support. Many positions are flexible, allowing students to balance work with academic commitments. Working on campus not only helps in earning a steady income but also enhances soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management. However, the availability of these jobs for international students is comparatively limited. Due to U. S. regulations, international students on F-1 visas are only permitted to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year. While the university does its best to accommodate international students, many roles are quickly filled by domestic students or have eligibility criteria that favour U. S. citizens or permanent residents. In some cases, language proficiency requirements or prior experience also pose barriers. Additionally, research assistantships or graduate assistant roles, which are more aligned with academic and professional goals, can be highly competitive for international students. Funding limitations or departmental preference may further restrict access. As a result, international students often need to be proactive, apply early, and leverage faculty connections to secure suitable roles.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2025Read more
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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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A
Abhinav Gupta Verified Icon
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
3.5
Opportunity for those who seek it.
Tips: Before joining this college, students should be ready to take on coursework as soon as they start. Competition is tough because there is a big batch size. You will need to fight for your place. Make sure to learn how to cook because eating out is going to be expensive. Stop covering everything to the Dollar because you won't be able to survive.
Likes (Student Life): Student life is great because the college is very supportive. There are a lot of sports and advanced facilities. The campus has good food and a good vibe. LA as a city is amazing, there is so much to do. There is a little for everyone, city life, beaches, mountains, desert, culture, food and so much more.
Dislikes (Safety): LA as a city is very unsafe. There are homeless people everywhere on the street and even in public transport who come close to you and even try to engage unless you are careful. Travelling alone at night is very difficult and scary. There are crimes happening around every day.
Reviewed on 9 Nov 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
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
M.A in Occupational Therapy - Batch of 2026
4
It has been an amazing and very promising experience.
Tips: The campus is beautiful, the classes are interesting, and the university has some courses that allow you to re-attempt tests where you haven't done your best. You will be required to stay up-to-date with a lot of extensive background reading, which can affect your work-life balance. Otherwise, it is a very open and friendly space to learn. The faculty are easily accessible so you can reach out to them. Overall, I am quite satisfied with the course and country.
Reviewed on 30 Nov 2024Read more
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University of Southern California Admission 2025 FAQs

Q:   What are the tuition fees per year at University of Southern California (USC) for an Indian student?
A: 

The University of Southern California cost for Indian students vary from INR 18 L to INR 1 Cr. The below table includes the first year University of Southern California fees for international students and the course duration:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

MS

INR 25 L - 68 L

MBA/PGDM

INR 32 L - 1 Cr

PG Certificate

INR 18 L - 64 L

MIM

INR 32 L - 65 L

BA

INR 57 L - 60 L

BSc

INR 57 L

BE/BTech

INR 53 L - 57 L

BBA

INR 57 L

MFA

INR 31 L - 45 L

LLM

INR 59 L

BFA

INR 57 L - 60 L

MArch

INR 30 L - 74 L

BJMC

INR 57 L - 60 L

Executive MBA/PGDM

INR 37 L - 71 L

BDS

INR 57 L

LLB

INR 60 L

 

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. 

Q:   How good is the University of Southern California?
A: 

According to the University of Southern California reviews given by students, the university gets a 4.3 rating out of 5.0 for Quality of faculty. USC also gets a 4.0 rating out of 5.0 for Student Life and 3.9 ratings out of 5.0 for Part-time work. The impressive ratings make USC University a good choice to study in the USA for international students. The below table includes the University of Southern California admission 2024 highlights:

Particulars

Requirements

Application portal

UG: Common Application

PG: gradadm.usc.edu/apply/

Application fee

UG: USD 85 or INR 7,075.14*

PG: USD 90 or INR  7,491.32* (Exception for those courses offered by the Marshall School of Business)

ELP tests accepted

TOEFL / PTE

Standardized test scores (PG)

GMAT / GRE / Any other test scores (As applicable)

International Application Deadlines

UG: Closed

PG: Varies as per courses

University of Southern California Guide

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Q:   What are the English language requirements to get into USC?
A: 

I have mentioned the University of Southern California IELTS requirements with other English language tests for undergraduate and graduate admission:

English Language Tests

Minimum Score for UG Admission

Minimum Score for PG Admission

IELTS

a minimum score of 7

6.5 or above, with 6 or above on each band

TOEFL iBT

a score of 100 and no less than a score of 20 in each section

90 or above, with 20 or above in each section

PTE

score of 68

61 or above, with 53 or above on each band

Check how to Study in the USA without IELTS and TOEFL

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.

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