PrivateUrbanUniversity of Southern California
USC
Los Angeles, California 90089
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings
University of Southern California is a private institution in Los Angeles with particular strength in business and engineering. With an average SAT of 1501, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A large campus of 20.8K undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
92% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $92,498 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $31,927.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •The three donated 308 acres to establish the campus and provided the necessary seed money for the construction of the first buildings.
- •The university is no longer affiliated with any church, having severed formal ties in 1952.
- •When USC opened in 1880, the school had an enrollment of 53 students and a faculty of 10.
- •Its first graduating class in 1884 was a class of three: two men and one woman, who was valedictorian.
- •USC was further expanded with the construction of Old College in 1887, which served as the College of Liberal Arts (now Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences).
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1501
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
75.0%
Median Debt at Grad
$16,112
Programs (341)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
97%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
159
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CA state average + large city premium