US University · Ranked #27
University of Southern California: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
University of Southern California is a highly selective university that admits roughly 12% of applicants. Set in Los Angeles, California and ranked #27 nationally in our dataset, University of Southern California attracts a deep, accomplished applicant pool, so a strong academic record is the entry ticket rather than the deciding factor. Successful candidates typically pair excellent grades with a clear, well-articulated reason for applying here specifically.
USC is a leading private research university in Los Angeles, renowned for its film school, strong alumni network, and its location in the entertainment capital.
This guide breaks down University of Southern California's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
University of Southern California admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 12%
- SAT range
- 1370–1520
- Average GPA
- 3.85
- In-state
- $66,640
- Out-of-state
- $66,640
- Enrollment
- 21,000
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Los Angeles, California
How hard is it to get into University of Southern California?
An acceptance rate of 12% places University of Southern California firmly in the highly selective category. Academic excellence is necessary but not sufficient here: the majority of denied applicants are fully qualified on paper. Decisions turn on the strength of essays, recommendations, and demonstrated depth in a few areas rather than a long list of activities.
Plan for University of Southern California as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at University of Southern California typically score between 1370 and 1520 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1370 and a quarter above 1520. A score at or above 1520 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.85 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1445 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.85. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1370) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
University of Southern Californiaapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 15
University of Southern California offers a non-binding Early Action deadline of Nov 1, with Regular Decision closing Jan 15. Early Action lets you submit early and receive a decision sooner without any obligation to enroll, so there is little downside to applying EA if your application is genuinely ready by Nov 1 — a rushed early application is worse than a strong regular one.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 15.
Notable programs at University of Southern California
- Film — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Communication — a professionally oriented program with strong industry ties.
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
University of Southern California is particularly known for Film, Business, Engineering, Communication, and Computer Science.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending University of Southern California
As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, University of Southern California charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $66,640 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.
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University of Southern California: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at University of Southern California?
- University of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 12%, which makes it highly selective. Plan for University of Southern California as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
- What SAT score do you need for University of Southern California?
- Admitted students at University of Southern California typically score between 1370 and 1520 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1520 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1370 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into University of Southern California?
- The average GPA of admitted students at University of Southern California is approximately 3.85 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.85 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for University of Southern California?
- University of Southern California's application deadlines: Early Action is Nov 1 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Jan 15. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is University of Southern California a public or private university?
- University of Southern California is a private university. Tuition is the same regardless of residency, but need-based aid can substantially lower the net price.
- How much does it cost to attend University of Southern California?
- As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, University of Southern California charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $66,640 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.