University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles, known for its film, business, and engineering programs and its deep ties to the entertainment and tech industries. Admission is highly selective — about 9.8% of roughly 82,000 applicants are admitted, and enrolled first-years post middle-50% SAT scores of 1450–1550 with an average high school GPA near 3.80. USC is test-optional and meets the full demonstrated financial need of admitted students. The figures below are drawn directly from USC's official Common Data Set.
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USC admissions statistics
Acceptance Rate
Total applicants, admitted students, and enrolled students for the most recent admission cycle.
Early Action
USC offers non-binding Early Action — an earlier decision with no commitment to enroll.
Standardized Tests
USC is currently test-optional — you may apply without submitting scores.
SAT Accepted?
ACT Accepted?
Test Optional?
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Admissions Factors
How USC weighs each part of your application.
Rigor of High School Record
Academic GPA
Standardized Test Scores
Application Essay
Recommendations
Extracurricular Activities
Character / Personal Qualities
Talent / Ability
First Generation
Level of Applicant's Interest
Class Rank
Volunteer Work
Work Experience
Geographical Residence
State Residency
Alumni Relation
Racial / Ethnic Status
Religious Affiliation
Cost of Attendance
Estimated full-time annual cost from USC's Common Data Set.
Private universities charge the same tuition regardless of state residency.
Financial Aid
Need-based aid statistics for full-time first-year students.
Major Distribution
Bachelor's degrees awarded in the past year by academic major.
Student Diversity
Racial and ethnic breakdown of enrolled undergraduate students.
Student-Faculty Ratio
The number of students for every one faculty member, indicating the average level of access students have to instructional staff.
Campus Life
On-campus housing and Greek life participation rates.
Enrollment by Gender
Since some students did not report gender, totals may not fully reflect the student body.
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Frequently asked questions about USC admissions
Is it hard to get into USC?＋
Yes — USC is highly selective, admitting about 9.8% of applicants in the most recent cycle. It drew roughly 82,027 applications and enrolled around 3,489 first-year students, putting it among the more selective private universities in the country. There is no residency preference, so California and out-of-state applicants are read the same way.
What GPA do you need to get into USC?＋
Enrolled first-year students at USC report an average high school GPA of about 3.80 on a 4.0 scale. There is no hard cutoff, but both your academic GPA and the rigor of your course load are weighed as very important factors, so admitted students typically carry mostly top grades in a demanding schedule.
Is a 1500 SAT good enough for USC?＋
A 1500 is competitive at USC — it falls within the middle 50% of enrolled first-years, who scored between 1450 and 1550 on the SAT (32–35 on the ACT). USC is test-optional, so you can apply without scores, but a 1500 sits comfortably in range and can strengthen your application if you choose to submit.
Does USC require SAT or ACT scores?＋
No — USC is test-optional, so you may apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. If you do submit, the middle 50% of enrolled students scored 1450–1550 on the SAT and 32–35 on the ACT, and standardized test scores are weighed as a very important factor when provided.
How much does USC cost and does it meet financial need?＋
Annual tuition and required fees are approximately $68,237, the same for every student since USC is private with no in-state or out-of-state distinction. About 39% of first-years receive need-based aid with an average package near $71,169, and USC meets 100% of each admitted student's demonstrated financial need.
Does the application essay matter at USC?＋
Yes — USC rates the application essay as a very important factor in its review, on par with GPA, course rigor, test scores, and recommendations. With an acceptance rate near 9.8% and no admissions interview, the essays are one of the few places a strong applicant can stand out, so a specific, well-revised essay carries real weight.
What are the most popular majors at USC?＋
Business and marketing is the most popular area at about 23% of degrees, followed by engineering and computing at roughly 14% and the visual and performing arts at about 12%. The social sciences and communication/journalism are also widely pursued across USC's student body.
What does USC look for in applicants?＋
USC's review is holistic: rigor of your high school record, academic GPA, test scores, the application essay, and recommendations are all weighed as very important factors, with extracurriculars, talent, and personal character considered as well. Class rank, demonstrated interest, and state residency are not considered, so it is genuinely the strength of your record and your story that matter most.
Source: University of Southern California Common Data Set 2024-2025. Figures transcribed 2026-06-06. Esslo aggregates publicly reported data and is not affiliated with USC. Banner photo by Bohao Zhao, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0).