Los Angeles, California · Private · 20,443 undergrads
USC admitted 11% of applicants for fall 2025 (9,345 of 83,488, Common Data Set 2025-26). USC is test-optional for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1470–1540.
The numbers
Applied
83,488
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
32–35
enrolled first-years
Average GPA
3.85
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
43%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$85
waivers exist
See your odds and what families like yours paid. It stays on your device.Add my SAT and income
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.
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).
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.
Checked on admission.usc.edu Nov 2, 2026. See the source
Early rounds and deadlines
Early decision is offered for fall 2027. It's binding: if you get in, you go.
Early action is offered: you hear sooner and don't have to commit.
Closed
Early decisionBinding
Was due Nov 1, 2026
Closed
Early action
Was due Nov 1, 2026
61days
Regular decision
Due Sunday, Jan 10, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What USC looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, GPA, essay, recommendations, character.
Counts a lot
Activities, talent or ability.
Also considered
SAT or ACT scores, first in your family to go to college, A parent or relative went there, volunteering, work experience.
As USC rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is University of Southern California's acceptance rate?
USC admitted 11% of applicants for fall 2025 (9,345 of 83,488, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for University of Southern California?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1470–1540. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
