University of Southern California campus
University of Southern California logo

University of Southern California

Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale City: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Large
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 8,700
Student to faculty ratio 9 to 1
Acceptance rate 12%
Students retention rate 96%
On-time graduation rate 92%

Located in Los Angeles, California, USC is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate at USC is 12%, indicating that the institution is quite selective in its admissions process. This can be seen as a positive aspect for those seeking a competitive and academically rigorous environment.

University of Southern California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 9-to-1, USC emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

USC boasts an impressive student retention rate of 96% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 85% and 74%, respectively.


  • The institution has on-campus hospital
  • Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

12.5%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$61,503

Cost of attendance at University of Southern California in 2022 for students from California.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

California's average $6,749
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$61,503

Cost of attendance at University of Southern California in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

California's average $20,840
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 72 of freshman students at University of Southern California received on average $40,690 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$40,690
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 735 21% $5,053 $3,714,028
Other Federal Grant 1,366 40% $6,120 $8,359,484
State Grant/Scholarships 437 13% $8,917 $3,896,707
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 2,426 71% $36,359 $88,207,137
Total Grant & Scholarships 2,469 72% $40,690 $100,463,328

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of University of Southern California students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of University of Southern California students is 92.0%. Female students graduated at a rate of 93.3%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 90.6%.

92.0%

  • asian 94.1% 575 students
  • African American 84.0% 121 students
  • white 92.0% 1,075 students
  • unknown 94.3% 33 students
  • hawaiian 66.7% 2 students
  • hispanic 94.1% 364 students
  • International Students 90.4% 388 students
  • Mixed Race 90.1% 146 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football Pacific-12 Conference
  • Baseball Pacific-12 Conference
  • Basketball Pacific-12 Conference
  • Track and Cross Country Pacific-12 Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

University of Southern California provides the following additional services to its students
  • On-campus day care for students' children
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

University of Southern California offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • ROTC - Army
  • ROTC - Navy
  • ROTC - Air Force

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Credit for military training
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)