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University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California · Private · 20,443 undergrads

USC admits 11% of applicants (fall 2025, Common Data Set 2025-26), is test-optional for fall 2027, and regular decision is due Jan 10, 2027.

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Can I get into USC?

11% of applicants get in

Grades and essays carry this one; most strong applicants still hear no. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1470–1540 on the SAT.

Add your SAT to see where you sit

Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.

83,488 applied, 9,345 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).

What does USC cost?

$33,056 a year

What students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The sticker price, with housing and food, is $95,048.

Tap your family income:

Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000$17,171
$30,000–$48,000$13,736
$48,000–$75,000$18,282
$75,000–$110,000$28,033
over $110,000$59,062

Own a business or have divorced parents? Run USC's own calculator.

Net price 2024-25, College Scorecard.

When is USC due?

61 days left

Closed
Early decisionBinding
Was due Nov 1, 2026
Closed
Early action
Was due Nov 1, 2026
61days
Regular decision
Due Sunday, Jan 10, 2027
Add to calendar Every USC deadline

Checked on admission.usc.edu Nov 5, 2026. See the source

Does USC need the SAT or ACT?Optional

No.

Test-optional for fall 2027. 34% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1510 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.

Which colleges require scores

Checked on admission.usc.edu Nov 2, 2026. See the source

What it's like

20,443
undergrads. Big, with lots of choices and some big lectures.
City
Campus setting in Los Angeles, CA.
96%
of first-years come back for year two.
77%
finish in four years. 92% within six.
$103.4k
median pay 10 years after starting.
$17k
median federal debt at graduation.

Lists USC is on

Test-optional collegesDeadlines after Jan 1Most selective in CaliforniaColleges for a 1500 SATColleges for a 32 ACTColleges for a 34 ACT

Questions people ask

Is University of Southern California test-optional for fall 2027?
Yes. USC is test-optional for students entering in fall 2027, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT scores. Checked on admission.usc.edu on Nov 2, 2026.
What is University of Southern California's acceptance rate?
11% for fall 2025: 9,345 of 83,488 applicants were admitted (Common Data Set).
What SAT score do you need for University of Southern California?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1470 to 1540 (Common Data Set, fall 2025). A quarter scored higher and a quarter lower, so a score in that range is typical, not a cutoff.
How much does University of Southern California cost for a family earning $60,000?
Families earning $48,000–$75,000 paid an average of $18,282 a year after grants in 2024-25 (students who got federal aid). The sticker price is $95,048.
When is the University of Southern California application deadline for fall 2027?
Early decision closed Nov 1, 2026. Early action closed Nov 1, 2026. Regular decision is due Jan 10, 2027. Checked on admission.usc.edu on Nov 5, 2026.
What is University of Southern California's graduation rate?
92% of students finish within six years and 77% within four (IPEDS).