The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is a leading private research university in Los Angeles. Known for its film school (SCA), business, and engineering programs, USC blends creativity and innovation. The university's research spans from the Keck School of Medicine to the Viterbi School of Engineering. USC's campus features Romanesque architecture and modern facilities like the USC Village.
USC's strong alumni network, the Trojan Family supports career opportunities in entertainment, tech, and beyond. The university's arts programs thrive alongside its NCAA athletics. Alumni include Oscar winners and SpaceX engineers. USC's dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit defines its global impact.
University of Southern California Acceptance Rate
University of Southern California is one of the leading universities in the USA. It is extremely competitive to gain admission to. The acceptance rate of University of Southern California is 10.02%. This means that only 10 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Elite Standards: Admitted students typically rank in the top 2-5% of their high school class.
- Curriculum Rigor: AP, IB, or Honors courses are essential to validate academic readiness.
- Character & Impact: Beyond grades, leadership, research, and unique 'spikes' in extracurriculars drive decisions.
At this level of selectivity, meeting average GPA and test scores is considered the 'baseline.' Because USC values intellectual curiosity, your supplemental essays and personal recommendations are critical in distinguishing your application from thousands of other high-achieving candidates.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
University of Southern California Admission Requirements
USC GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at USC is 3.83. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.53 and 3.83, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
USC GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at USC utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.83, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.83 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.63 – 3.82 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.43 – 3.62 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.42 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At USC, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Southern California (USC) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
University of Southern California Average SAT Score: 1501
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Southern California is 1501 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do extremely well to score 1501 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1550 SAT or 35 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Southern California allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1440, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to USC. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 765 | 740 | 790 |
| SAT Reading | 730 | 700 | 760 |
| SAT Composite | 1501 | 1440 | 1550 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1440 then you are below most of the admitted students at USC and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1550 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1500
Can I get into University of Southern California (USC) with a 1550 SAT?
With a 1550 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Southern California (USC) are good but the admission staff at USC tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of Southern California (USC) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at USC is 34.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes University of Southern California Extremely Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do extremely well to score 34 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 33 | 30 | 35 |
| ACT English | 35 | 34 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 32 | 35 |
Can I get into University of Southern California with a 35 ACT?
With a 35 ACT Score, your chances of admission at University of Southern California are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 34.USC Profile
Name: University of Southern California (USC)
City: Los Angeles
URL: www.usc.edu/
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 90089
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Elite Strategy: The 'Spike' Approach
To be successful at a world-class institution like USC, you must move beyond being 'well-rounded' and demonstrate that you are institutionally necessary.
Elite schools favor 'pointy' students; those who are world-class in one niche. Achieve national-level recognition or produce original research rather than joining ten generic clubs.
Demonstrate 'self-driven learning.' This includes graduate-level coursework, mastering a complex skill independently, or attending top-tier summer programs (RSI/TASP).
Avoid safe, cliché topics. Use the supplemental essays to showcase creative risk-taking, quirky intellectualism, and authentic personality.
Admissions officers prioritize 'Founders' and 'Change-makers' over 'Office-holders.' Document quantifiable impact—what did you build that didn't exist before?
Can I Get Into USC Without SAT Or ACT?: University of Southern California considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Does a degree from USC Worth It?
Getting into USC can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. USC offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at USC is USD: 76787.41 and unemployment rate is 3.67%.
How much does a degree from USC Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at University of Southern California is USD: 84678. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Southern California is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
21.66% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 24.85 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to USC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Southern California, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist USC as your choice in the form.
How much a USC Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 92498. An average USC graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Southern California. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Northeastern University Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Occidental College | Occidental College, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Scripps College | Scripps College, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell College, IA | 1486 | 33 |
| University of Maryland-College Park | University of Maryland-College Park, MD | 1463 | 34 |
| Boston University | Boston University, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| Brandeis University | Brandeis University, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| Smith College | Smith College, MA | 1480 | 33 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, MI | 1473 | 33 |
| Carleton College | Carleton College, MN | 1491 | 33 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Southern California. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University | Georgetown University, DC | 1494 | 33 |
| Emory University | Emory University, GA | 1507 | 33 |
| University of Notre Dame | University of Notre Dame, IN | 1510 | 34 |
| Colby College | Colby College, ME | 1500 | 33 |
| Amherst College | Amherst College, MA | 1494 | 33 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Southern California. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey Mudd College | Harvey Mudd College, CA | 1537 | 35 |
| Yale University | Yale University, CT | 1534 | 34 |
| University of Chicago | University of Chicago, IL | 1554 | 35 |
| Johns Hopkins University | Johns Hopkins University, MD | 1553 | 35 |
| Harvard University | Harvard University, MA | 1553 | 35 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Air Transportation
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Archeology
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Architecture
- Area Studies
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Southern California Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $92498 annually, depending on the industry.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $84678 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of Southern California is 10.02 which is low, typically between 10% and 20%. Admission is very competitive, and a strong academic profile is necessary.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.83. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.53, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.53, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.53 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.43 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to University of Southern California if my GPA is below 3.43
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.83, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to University of Southern California is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1501 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1440-1550
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of Southern California.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.