University of Southern California
University of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 9.8%, average net price of $32,740, and a national rank of #47 (Grade A), with a 91.8% six-year graduation rate, and median earnings of $74,461 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of Southern California is a private nonprofit university in Los Angeles, CA. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Computer Software and Media Applications.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 52.0%, roughly 2.1 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is University of Southern California Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Southern California graduates 91.8% of students within six years and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Southern California's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $90,300 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: Only 0.0% of University of Southern California students receive Pell Grants — far below the national average, underscoring equity challenges.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $74,461
- 10-Year Median Earnings $74,461
- Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
- Average Student Debt $16,112
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 80.2%
- Employment Rate 87.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Southern California graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Southern California vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Southern California's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Southern California's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of Southern California graduates earn $74,461 median six years after enrollment, +70% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 710-760
- SAT Math 740-790
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 32-35
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate 91.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into University of Southern California
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Southern California requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 9.8%, University of Southern California is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 9.8% acceptance rate, University of Southern California is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1450 and 1550 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Southern California undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Communication and Media Studies, and Computer Science draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 18.7%
- Communication and Media Studies 5.8%
- Computer Science 4.5%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 4.1%
- Human Biology 3.6%
- International Relations and National Security Stud 3.6%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 3.5%
- Economics 3.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $180,906
- 2. Computer Software and Media Applications $165,219
- 3. Computer Engineering $161,292
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Real Estate $145,650
- 5. Industrial Engineering $137,590
- 6. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $123,215
- 7. Civil Engineering $116,779
- 8. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $113,915
- 9. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $112,503
- 10. Mechanical Engineering $107,591
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $225,065
- 2. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $207,395
- 3. Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $199,940
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Law (First Professional Degree) $199,180
- 5. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Doctoral Degree) $195,019
- 6. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degree) $194,000
- 7. Real Estate Development (Master's Degree) $192,849
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $192,109
- 9. Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degree) $178,854
- 10. Legal Professions and Studies, Other (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $178,778
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $180,906—68% more than Mechanical Engineering ($107,591). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $225,065 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Southern California. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 1,020 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 314 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 247 graduates)
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 224 graduates)
- Human Biology (Bachelor's Degree, 194 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (81 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Science
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Human Biology
- Accounting and Related Services
- Economics
- Political Science and Government
- Psychology, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Real Estate Development
- Applied Mathematics
- Public Health
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Mechanical Engineering
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Journalism
- Biology, General
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- History
- Sociology
- Music
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Cognitive Science
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Philosophy
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Industrial Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Public Policy Analysis
- International Business
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Real Estate
- English Language and Literature, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Social Sciences, General
- Civil Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Physics
- Area Studies
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Dance
- Gerontology
- Anthropology
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Mathematics
- Geography and Cartography
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Chemistry
- Architecture
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- International/Global Studies
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Archeology
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Education, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Physical Sciences
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Air Transportation
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (70 programs)▼
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Applied Mathematics
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Public Policy Analysis
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Economics
- Accounting and Related Services
- Journalism
- International Business
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Dispute Resolution
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Geography and Cartography
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Real Estate Development
- Design and Applied Arts
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Marketing
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- International/Global Studies
- Biotechnology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Psychology, General
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Architecture and Related Services, Other
- Anthropology
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Chemistry
- Materials Sciences
- Area Studies
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Physics
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Sociology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Molecular Medicine
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Genetics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- Architecture
- Management Information Systems and Services
Online Doctoral Degrees (58 programs)▼
- Social Work
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Mechanical Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Industrial Engineering
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Civil Engineering
- Physics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Public Health
- Genetics
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Applied Mathematics
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Sociology
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Materials Sciences
- English Language and Literature, General
- Petroleum Engineering
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Mathematics
- History
- Gerontology
- Area Studies
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Public Policy Analysis
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer Engineering
- Biology, General
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Molecular Medicine
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Geography and Cartography
- Anthropology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (42 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Marketing
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Music
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Dispute Resolution
- Real Estate Development
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Environmental Design
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Communication and Media Studies
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Gerontology
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Sustainability Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Landscape Architecture
- Computer Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Business/Commerce, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Petroleum Engineering
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Journalism
- Engineering, Other
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Area Studies
- Architectural History and Criticism
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
Online First Professional Degrees (4 programs)▼
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Law
- Medicine
- Dentistry
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 0.0%
- Female Students 0.0%
- Caucasian 25.5%
- Asian 23.3%
- Hispanic 20.0%
- Black 7.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 0.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Southern California's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Southern California's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Southern California support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Southern California, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of Southern California has a diverse student body, with 25.5% identifying as White. About 22.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Southern California support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Southern California, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ranking #47 nationally, University of Southern California combines competitive admissions with 52.0% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $74,461 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students complete degrees at 91.8% six-year rates, with 95.9% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $32,740 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 2171 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: University of Southern California's Market Position
A grade | #47 of 6119 | 97.3/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: University of Southern California occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The 52.0% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $32,740 annually produces $74,461 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing University of Southern California should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: University of Southern California's #47 ranking and A grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 2171 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 91.8% six-year graduation rate sits 29.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 95.9% first-year retention is 19.1 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 52.0% return on investment is 2.1 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $74,461 run about 70% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $32,740 is roughly $15,314 higher than the national median of $17,426.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 95.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.8% employment rate within three years sits 19.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $32,740 is about $15,314 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Los Angeles, CA, University of Southern California operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a A from EDsmart. It stands at #47 among 6119 schools Completion earns A, Support A, Career Outcomes A, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Expect about 91.8% of students to graduate within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 52.0%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $32,740 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $90,300.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $57,560 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,112 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
Pell Grant participation data is not reported.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $74,461 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 70% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 87.8% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about 52.0% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
9.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Southern California admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of Southern California's acceptance rate?
University of Southern California's acceptance rate is 9.8%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of Southern California cost?
At University of Southern California, the average net price after aid is $32,740. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Southern California's ranking?
University of Southern California ranks #47 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of Southern California's graduation rate?
At University of Southern California, the six-year graduation rate is 91.8%.
What are University of Southern California's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Southern California report median earnings of $74,461 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
Contact Information
- Address Los Angeles, CA 90089
- Website www.usc.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$7.59B