Getting in
For Fall 2025, 83,488 first-year students applied to USC, 9,345 were admitted and 3,759 enrolled: an acceptance rate of 11.2%.
Source: USC Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C1. Read Sep 30, 2026.
By residency, first-year applicants, Fall 2025
| Applicants | Applied | Admitted | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-state (California) | 32,499 | 3,692 | 11.4% |
| Out-of-state | 34,374 | 3,378 | 9.8% |
| International | 16,615 | 2,275 | 13.7% |
Source: USC Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C1, residency table. Read Sep 30, 2026.
By school or major. USC's Common Data Set reports one first-year acceptance rate for the whole university, with no rate by school or major.
Source: USC Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Early rounds. For Fall 2025 entry the Common Data Set reports no early decision plan and has no field for early action counts, so it gives no early-round acceptance rate. Early decision is new since then (see the deadlines below).
Source: USC Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), sections C21 and C22. Read Sep 30, 2026.
Programs with extra requirements
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
Some USC majors ask for more than the Common App: a portfolio, a resume or writing samples, and auditions for some performance majors. What the schools named on USC's list ask of first-year applicants:
- School of Cinematic Arts. A SlideRoom application with supplemental materials for each program you apply to. After the deadline you get an interview and assessment invitation through Kira Talent, due within 5 business days.
Source: USC School of Cinematic Arts, Freshman Application Procedures (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
- Thornton School of Music. The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
Source: USC Thornton School of Music, Undergraduate Admissions (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
- Kaufman School of Dance (BFA). Materials, including a Kaufman portfolio, by December 1. Live auditions take place in January.
Source: USC Kaufman School of Dance, How to Apply (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
- Roski School of Art and Design. A portfolio, an artist statement and a list of creative accomplishments, with your USC application.
Source: USC Roski School of Art and Design, Undergraduate Admission (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
- School of Dramatic Arts. Its own requirements, with December 1 as the only deadline.
Source: USC Undergraduate Admission, First-Year Students (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC also lists extra requirements for the Iovine and Young Academy, the School of Architecture, and Marshall's World Bachelor in Business.
Source: USC Undergraduate Admission, First-Year Students (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Majors
188 majors across 19 schools. Every bachelor's major in USC's official 2026-2027 Catalogue, grouped by the school that offers it, with the degree it leads to. Emphases, minors and graduate programs are left out.
USC Iovine and Young Academy3
- Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation (BS)Extra requirement: Supplementary forms and the school's own departmental requirements, by its deadline.
- Business of Innovation (BS)Extra requirement: Supplementary forms and the school's own departmental requirements, by its deadline.
- Human Technology Interaction (BS)Extra requirement: Supplementary forms and the school's own departmental requirements, by its deadline.
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC Leventhal School of Accounting1
- Accounting (BS)
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC School of Architecture3
- Architectural Studies (BS)Extra requirement: Supplementary forms and the school's own departmental requirements, by its deadline.
- Architecture (BArch)Extra requirement: Supplementary forms and the school's own departmental requirements, by its deadline.
- Architecture and Inventive Technologies (BS)Extra requirement: Supplementary forms and the school's own departmental requirements, by its deadline.
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC Roski School of Art and Design3
- Art (BA)Extra requirement: A portfolio, an artist statement and a list of creative accomplishments, with your USC application.
- Design (BFA)Extra requirement: A portfolio, an artist statement and a list of creative accomplishments, with your USC application.
- Fine Arts (BFA)Extra requirement: A portfolio, an artist statement and a list of creative accomplishments, with your USC application.
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC Marshall School of Business16
- Accounting and Finance (BS)
- Artificial Intelligence for Business (BS)
- Business Administration (BS)
- Business Administration (Business Analytics) (BS)
- Business Administration (Cinematic Arts) (BS)
- Business Administration (Communication) (BS)
- Business Administration (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) (BS)
- Business Administration (Finance) (BS)
- Business Administration (International Relations) (BS)
- Business Administration (Leadership and Innovation) (BS)
- Business Administration (Marketing) (BS)
- Business Administration (Real Estate Finance) (BS)
- Business Administration (Risk Management) (BS)
- Business Administration (World Program) (BS)Extra requirement: The World Bachelor in Business has its own requirements: supplementary forms and the school's own departmental requirements, by its deadline.
- Business of Cinematic Arts (BS)
- Real Estate Finance and Development (BS)
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC School of Cinematic Arts9
- Animation and Digital Arts (BFA)Extra requirement: A SlideRoom application with supplemental materials for each program you apply to.
- Cinema and Media Studies (BA)Extra requirement: A SlideRoom application with supplemental materials for each program you apply to.
- Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production (BA)Extra requirement: A SlideRoom application with supplemental materials for each program you apply to.
- Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production (BFA)Extra requirement: A SlideRoom application with supplemental materials for each program you apply to.
- Game Art (BFA)Extra requirement: A SlideRoom application with supplemental materials for each program you apply to.
- Game Development and Interactive Design (BFA)Extra requirement: A SlideRoom application with supplemental materials for each program you apply to.
- Media Arts and Practice (BA)Extra requirement: A SlideRoom application with supplemental materials for each program you apply to.
- Themed Entertainment (BFA)Extra requirement: A SlideRoom application with supplemental materials for each program you apply to.
- Writing for Screen and Television (BFA)Extra requirement: A SlideRoom application with supplemental materials for each program you apply to.
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences95
- American Popular Culture (BA)
- American Studies and Ethnicity (African American Studies) (BA)
- American Studies and Ethnicity (Asian American Studies) (BA)
- American Studies and Ethnicity (BA)
- American Studies and Ethnicity (Chicano/Latino Studies) (BA)
- Anthropology (BA)
- Anthropology (Visual Anthropology) (BA)
- Applied and Computational Mathematics (BA)
- Applied and Computational Mathematics (BS)
- Archaeology and Heritage Studies (BA)
- Art History (BA)
- Astronomy (BA)
- Astronomy (BS)
- Behavioral Economics and Psychology (BA)
- Biochemistry (BS)
- Biological Sciences (BA)
- Biological Sciences (Biotechnology) (BS)
- Biological Sciences (BS)
- Biological Sciences (Ecology, Evolution and Environment) (BS)
- Biological Sciences (Marine Biology) (BS)
- Biological Sciences (Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology) (BS)
- Biophysics (BS)
- Central European Studies (BA)
- Chemistry (BA)
- Chemistry (BS)
- Chemistry (Chemical Biology) (BS)
- Chemistry (Chemical Nanoscience) (BS)
- Chemistry (Research) (BS)
- Classics (BA)
- Cognitive Science (BA)
- Comparative Literature (BA)
- Computational Linguistics (BS)
- Computational Neuroscience (BS)
- Contemporary Latino and Latin American Studies (BA)
- Earth Sciences (BA)
- East Asian Area Studies (BA)
- East Asian Languages and Cultures (BA)
- Economics (BA)
- Economics and Data Science (BS)
- English (BA)
- Environmental Science and Health (BA)
- Environmental Science and Health (BS)
- Environmental Studies (BA)
- Environmental Studies (BS)
- Environmental Systems Science (BS)
- French (BA)
- Gender and Sexuality Studies (BA)
- Geodesign (BS)
- Geological Sciences (BS)
- Global Geodesign (BS)
- Global Studies (BA)
- Health and Human Sciences (BA)
- History (BA)
- Human Biology (BA)
- Human Biology (BS)
- Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence (BS)
- Intelligence and Cyber Operations (BA)
- Interdisciplinary Studies (BA)
- International Relations (BA)
- International Relations (Global Business) (BA)
- International Relations and the Global Economy (BA)
- Italian (BA)
- Jewish Studies (BA)
- Latin American and Iberian Cultures, Media and Politics (BA)
- Law, History, and Culture (BA)
- Linguistics (BA)
- Mathematics (BA)
- Mathematics (BS)
- Middle East Studies (BA)
- Narrative Studies (BA)
- Neuroscience (BA)
- Neuroscience (BS)
- Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Change (BA)
- Philosophy (BA)
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics (BA)
- Philosophy, Politics and Law (BA)
- Physical Sciences (BS)
- Physics (BA)
- Physics (BS)
- Physics/Computer Science (BS)
- Political Economy (BA)
- Political Science (BA)
- Psychology (BA)
- Quantitative Biology (BS)
- Religion (BA)
- Russian (BA)
- Social Sciences, with an Emphasis in Economics (BA)
- Social Sciences, with an Emphasis in Psychology (BA)
- Sociology (BA)
- Spanish (BA)
- Economics/Mathematics (BS)
- Linguistics and Cognitive Science (BA)
- Linguistics and East Asian Languages and Cultures (BA)
- Linguistics and Philosophy (BA)
- Mathematics/Economics (BS)
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism3
- Communication (BA)
- Journalism (BA)
- Public Relations and Advertising (BA)
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC Kaufman School of Dance1
- Dance (BFA)Extra requirement: Materials, including a Kaufman portfolio, by December 1, and a live audition in January.
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC School of Dramatic Arts8
- Acting, Stage and Screen (BFA)Extra requirement: The School of Dramatic Arts sets its own requirements, with December 1 as the only deadline.
- Dramatic Arts (BA)Extra requirement: The School of Dramatic Arts sets its own requirements, with December 1 as the only deadline.
- Musical Theatre (BFA)Extra requirement: The School of Dramatic Arts sets its own requirements, with December 1 as the only deadline.
- Sound Design (BFA)Extra requirement: The School of Dramatic Arts sets its own requirements, with December 1 as the only deadline.
- Stage Management (BFA)Extra requirement: The School of Dramatic Arts sets its own requirements, with December 1 as the only deadline.
- Technical Direction (BFA)Extra requirement: The School of Dramatic Arts sets its own requirements, with December 1 as the only deadline.
- Theatrical Design (BFA)Extra requirement: The School of Dramatic Arts sets its own requirements, with December 1 as the only deadline.
- Visual and Performing Arts Studies (BA)Extra requirement: The School of Dramatic Arts sets its own requirements, with December 1 as the only deadline.
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC Viterbi School of Engineering15
- Aerospace Engineering (BS)
- Artificial Intelligence (BS)
- Astronautical Engineering (BS)
- Biomedical Engineering (BS)
- Chemical Engineering (BS)
- Civil Engineering (BS)
- Computer Engineering and Computer Science (BS)
- Computer Science (BS)
- Computer Science Games (BS)
- Computer Science/Business Administration (BS)
- Data Science (BA)
- Electrical and Computer Engineering (BS)
- Environmental Engineering (BS)
- Industrial and Systems Engineering (BS)
- Mechanical Engineering (BS)
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology2
- Human Development and Aging (BS)
- Lifespan Health (BS)
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC Independent Health Professions at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry1
- Occupational Therapy (BS)
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC Gould School of Law2
- Law and Economics (BS)
- Legal Studies (BS)
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Keck School of Medicine of USC2
- Global Health Studies (BS)
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies (BS)
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC Thornton School of Music16
- Choral Music (BA)Extra requirement: The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
- Choral Music (BM)Extra requirement: The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
- Composition (BM)Extra requirement: The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
- Jazz Studies (BM)Extra requirement: The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
- Music (BA)Extra requirement: The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
- Music Industry (BM)Extra requirement: The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
- Music Industry (BS)Extra requirement: The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
- Music Production (BM)Extra requirement: The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
- Performance (Classical Guitar) (BM)Extra requirement: The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
- Performance (Flute), (Oboe), (Clarinet), (Bassoon), (Saxophone), (French Horn), (Trumpet), (Trombone), (Tuba) or (Percussion) (BM)Extra requirement: The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
- Performance (Organ) (BM)Extra requirement: The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
- Performance (Piano) (BM)Extra requirement: The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
- Performance (Popular Music) (BM)Extra requirement: The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
- Performance (Studio Guitar) (BM)Extra requirement: The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
- Performance (Violin), (Viola), (Violoncello), (Double Bass) or (Harp) (BM)Extra requirement: The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
- Performance (Vocal Arts) (BM)Extra requirement: The USC application and a SlideRoom portfolio by December 1, then an audition and/or interview where your program requires one.
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences4
- Biopharmaceutical Sciences (BA)
- Biopharmaceutical Sciences (BS)
- Pharmacology and Drug Development (BA)
- Pharmacology and Drug Development (BS)
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC Price School of Public Policy3
- Public Policy (BS)
- Real Estate Development (BS)
- Urban Studies and Planning (BS)
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work1
- Social Work (BSW)
Source: USC Catalogue 2026-2027, Programs by School (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Source: USC Undergraduate Admission, First-Year Students (opens in a new tab), for the extra requirements. Read Sep 30, 2026.
Source: USC Roski School of Art and Design, Undergraduate Admission (opens in a new tab), for the extra requirements. Read Sep 30, 2026.
Source: USC School of Cinematic Arts, Freshman Application Procedures (opens in a new tab), for the extra requirements. Read Sep 30, 2026.
Source: USC Kaufman School of Dance, How to Apply (opens in a new tab), for the extra requirements. Read Sep 30, 2026.
Source: USC Thornton School of Music, Undergraduate Admissions (opens in a new tab), for the extra requirements. Read Sep 30, 2026.
Deadlines for Fall 2027
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
| Plan | Apply by | Decision | Binding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision (most majors) | November 1 | By mid-December | Yes |
| Early Action (most majors) | November 1 | Late January | No |
| Regular Decision (performing arts majors) | December 1 | By April 1 | No |
| Regular Decision (most majors) | January 10 | By April 1 | No |
Dance, Dramatic Arts and Music majors apply only in Regular Decision, by December 1. Marshall's World Bachelor in Business takes applications only by November 1. Early applicants may be admitted or deferred to Regular Decision.
Source: USC Undergraduate Admission, First-Year Students (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Early decision is binding. You may not apply early decision anywhere else, and if you are admitted you must enroll at USC and withdraw your other applications. You also submit an ED agreement.
Source: USC Undergraduate Admission, First-Year Students (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Testing
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
USC is test-optional. You choose whether your SAT or ACT is considered, and you are not penalized without it. If you send scores they are read, and they must be official scores from the testing agency. USC records your highest section scores across sittings.
Source: USC Undergraduate Admission, Test Optional FAQ (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
The Common Data Set agrees: for fall 2027, the SAT or ACT is not required but is considered if submitted, with scores due by February 20.
Source: USC Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C8. Read Sep 30, 2026.
Applying next year?
For students applying in fall 2027, entering fall 2028
Not announced yet. When we checked USC's admission pages on September 30, 2026, we found no announced changes for fall 2028 entry. The deadlines and rules above are for fall 2027 entry.
Source: USC Undergraduate Admission, First-Year Students (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Cost, and what families paid after aid
The published cost of a year at USC, 2026-2027:
| Tuition (12-18 units, two semesters) | $75,384 |
|---|---|
| Fees | $1,952 |
| Housing | $13,510 |
| Food | $8,442 |
| Books and supplies | $670 |
| Transportation | $1,188 |
| Personal expenses | $2,016 |
| Total | $103,162 |
On campus. New students add a $450 fee in their first semester. Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
Source: USC Financial Aid, 2026-2027 Estimate of Cost of Attendance (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 11, 2026.
Average net price per year, by family income, 2023-24:
| Family income | Paid after grants |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $13,516 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $14,394 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $19,539 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $24,976 |
| Over $110,000 | $56,116 |
| All incomes | $32,740 |
What first-year, full-time students who received federal aid paid after grants and scholarships, by family income, in 2023-24, the latest year the Department of Education publishes. Your own price comes from USC's aid offer.
Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education (opens in a new tab). Read Sep 30, 2026.
Similar schools
Chosen for how close each is to University of Southern California on acceptance rate, public or private, location and majors offered.
Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont, CA · Private12.3% admitted$35,924 average net price
University of California, BerkeleyBerkeley, CA · Public11.4% admitted$13,481 average net price
Claremont McKenna CollegeClaremont, CA · Private9.4% admitted$28,849 average net price
University of California, Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA · Public9.4% admitted$12,548 average net price
Berklee College of MusicBoston, MA · Private55.1% admitted$49,465 average net price
Admitted: each school's latest first-year acceptance rate, so the year can differ from school to school; each school's page names its year and source. Average net price: what federal aid recipients paid per year after grants, 2023-24, and the in-state figure for a public university.