# University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/university-of-southern-california

University of Southern California is a private nonprofit college in Los Angeles, CA with 20,443 undergraduates. It admits 9.8% of applicants, and admitted students average 1495 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $33,056 per year ($17,171 for families earning under $30,000). 90% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $103,420 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 9.8% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 80,808 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 8,094 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 710–760 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 740–790 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 32–35 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $95,048 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $33,056 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $17,171 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $13,736 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $18,282 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $28,033 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $59,062 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 20,443 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 90% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $103,420 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $17,000 (FY2024) |

## What University of Southern California considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Required
- Recommendations: Required
- Demonstrated competencies: Required
- Legacy status: Considered
- Work experience: Considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is University of Southern California's acceptance rate?**

University of Southern California admits 9.8% of applicants, which makes it extremely selective.

**What SAT score do you need for University of Southern California?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 710–760 on SAT Reading and Writing and 740–790 on SAT Math; the average total is 1495.

**What ACT score do you need for University of Southern California?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 32–35.

**Is University of Southern California test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to University of Southern California?**

In Fall 2023, 80,808 students applied to University of Southern California and 8,094 were admitted; 3,633 enrolled.

**Does University of Southern California consider legacy status?**

Yes. University of Southern California reported that legacy status is considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does University of Southern California require an essay?**

University of Southern California reported that an essay or personal statement is required for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does University of Southern California cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $95,048 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $33,056.

**What is University of Southern California's graduation rate?**

90% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 123961. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology