University of Southern California: Courses, Fees and Rankings

Good things need not necessarily be expensive, however, some pricey things give you knowledge that you might not get elsewhere. A prime example of this phenomenon is the University of Southern California (USC). Rumored to be extremely difficult to get into, this university has one of the loftiest standards when it comes to education. With an acceptance rate of just 10%, USC is known to be one of the best universities in southern California. Through this article, you will understand all you need to know about the campus, programs, housing, and rankings of USC!

About the University of Southern California

The University of Southern California campus sprawls in one of the best neighborhoods of LA, i.e. the University Park neighborhood. It has a huge sprawling campus spanning over 226 acres. It was founded in 1880 and started with just 53 students. It now has an enrollment of over 49,000 students from over 115 countries including India, China, South Korea, and Taiwan. Out of these 49,000 students, out of which there are 20,790 undergraduate students and 28,528 postgraduate students. It dedicates enough and more attention to every student with a student-to-teacher ratio of 9:1. The Uni of Southern California has the Traveler (a white horse) and Tommy Trojan (a bronze statue) as its mascot, which is also the nickname of the sports team. It also has a lot of notable alumni like America Ferrera, Neil Armstrong, and many more.

University of Southern California Rankings

The University of Southern California is often ranked among the top universities in the US, due to its high standard for academic excellence. The University of Southern California QS ranking is 125th, making it one of the best universities in the world. The Wall Street Journal Survey ranked it 15th in the nation, making it one of the top contenders in the best colleges and universities list in southern California.

University of Southern California Courses

USC provides a wide range of professional, graduate, and undergraduate courses. It offers a program to suit your needs, whether you're beginning your undergraduate studies, hoping to advance your career with a graduate program, or seeking a PhD to strengthen your credentials. Among its varied undergraduate programs, USC takes pride in subjects like the arts and humanities, business and management, engineering, and technology. Here are some of the best undergraduate business schools in the world.

Undergraduate Degrees

University of Southern California degrees, hold great value in the job market with the most famous courses being business administration, psychology, and electrical engineering. USC majors combine both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. These programs give students a strong foundation for starting their careers or continuing their studies. Given below is a list of schools of undergraduate degrees and the various courses that are offered by the school.

Postgraduate Degrees

University of Southern California master's programs are unique as they offer some courses that are rarely offered by other universities. Courses like Masters in Agriculture, and Masters in Public Diplomacy are not usually offered in many universities. These courses and their specializations show the great faculty capacity of USC and the diversity they bring to the table. These courses offer students a strong foundation to begin their careers in their chosen specializations.

PhD Programs

University of Southern California doctoral programs range across various fields, allowing students to engage in high-level research, contribute to innovation, and pursue advanced careers in academia, industry, or government. PhD students at USC typically work closely with faculty members on groundbreaking research projects and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support their studies. Below is an overview of some notable PhD programs offered at USC.

Tuition Fees for the University of Southern California

The University of Southern California graduate programs offer an exceptional education across various disciplines, from business and engineering to cinematic arts and healthcare. As one of the top universities in the United States, the University of Southern California cost can be significant, with tuition fees for graduate programs typically costing $70,000 per year, whereas undergraduate tuition costs $75,000. Graduating with a University of Southern California degree is highly valued by employers globally, especially in industries closely linked to the city. Despite the higher University of Southern California cost, the strong career outcomes and networking opportunities offered by USC make it an appealing investment for many students.

University of Southern California Scholarships

The University of Southern California (USC) offers a variety of merit-based scholarships like the Trustee Scholarship and Presidential Scholarship to recognize academic excellence, leadership, service, and talent. USC scholarships range from covering partial tuition costs to fully funded scholarships. An excellent opportunity for aspiring students to move closer to their dream is amberscholar. Amberscholar provides $12000 in scholarships for students who wish to study in the university of their choice. So what are you waiting for, apply to amberscholar today!

University of Southern California Application Process

The admission process for the Undergraduate and the Graduate degrees is different, due to the different documents that the courses require. Here is the detailed admissions guide for the USC. These different admission processes will help you understand how to apply to University of Southern California!

Admission Process for Bachelor’s Degrees

1. Apply through Common Application. 

2. Submit transcripts.

3. Submit a letter of recommendation.

4. Submit additional documents if required.

Admission Process for Master’s Degrees

1. Apply through USC’s graduate admission portal.

2. Provide transcripts.

3. Submit a letter of recommendation.

4. Submit a Statement of Purpose.

5. Submit additional documents if required.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for USC are stringent and students are required to be extremely alert while submitting their applications and documents. You also need to take a look at whether you are eligible for USC. However, the eligibility criteria for undergraduate and graduate degrees are different in these ways - 

Eligibility Criteria for Bachelor’s Degrees

1. Academic Preparation - USC expects applicants to have completed a rigorous high school curriculum, including courses in English, science, social studies, foreign language, and the arts. A minimum of three years of high school mathematics, including Advanced Algebra (Algebra II), with grades of C or better, is required.

2. GPA - A minimum of 3.87 GPA is required.

3. Standardized Tests - USC has adopted a test-optional policy through the fall, spring, and summer of 2025, meaning SAT or ACT scores are not required but will be considered if submitted.

Eligibility Criteria for Master’s Degrees

1. Educational Qualification - Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

2. GPA - A minimum GPA of 3.0 on all USC coursework available for graduate credit is typically required.

3. Standardized test scores - Requirements for GRE or GMAT scores vary by program. Some programs may not require these tests, while others may have specific score expectations. Check your course requirements before applying.

University of Southern California Student Life

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, USC offers students a beautiful campus environment with state-of-the-art facilities, cultural experiences, and a strong sense of community. USC displays its sense of community through more than 1,000 student organizations like the USC Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), Trojan Consulting Group, SC Racing, and many more. The university is also known for its spirited athletic culture, with the USC students identified as ‘Trojans’.

Students often enjoy exploring the beautiful city and beyond by going on day trips from LA. However, that is not to say that the city does not have enough things to excite the students. The city boasts of excellent cafes and restaurants like Bottega Louie, The L.A. Cafe, and many more. Apart from beautiful cafes, you can also find groovy clubs in LA that you wouldn’t want to miss! 

Why Should You Apply to the University of Southern California?

1. The Southern California University campus is located in the heart of Los Angeles, offering students access to a dynamic city filled with internship and job opportunities in companies like Disney, Google, Tesla, and Warner Bros.

2. USC graduates enjoy impressive employment outcomes, thanks in part to its renowned reputation and the strength of the Trojan Network, which includes over 400,000 alumni who actively support each other in their career journeys.

3. The university boasts impressive statistics for job placement, with a 91% employment rate within 6 months of graduation. 

4. Graduates earn an average salary ranging between $72,000 and $85,000, with many entering industries that include technology, consulting, and entertainment. 

5. Notable employers include Google, Apple, JPMorgan Chase, and Warner Bros. Here are some of the stats for USC graduates.

University of Southern California Notable Alumni

The university has produced gems in a variety of industries like astronauts, filmmaking, comedians, singers, and many more. However, the university is famous for producing a long list of popular actors and directors. These actors have achieved great fame owing to their hard work and dedication to acting. Among the University of Southern California alumni, here are 10 popular ones who made the university extra proud!

1. Daryl Hannah (1977) - Actress, known for her diverse roles in movies like Kill Bill Series, Blade Runner, Summer Lovers, and many more. 

2. Forest Whitaker (1982) - Academy Award winner actor and director, known for his role as brutal Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland.

3. Neil Armstrong (1970) - Astronaut, known for being the first man to walk on the moon. He was also a well-known aviator and test pilot.

4. George Lucas (1967) - Filmmaker and director, known for creating popular franchises like Indiana Jones and Star Wars.

5. LeVar Burton (1975) - Actor, director, and TV host, known for his role as Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

6. Micheal Landon (1954) - Actor and filmmaker, known for his roles as Little Joe Cartwright in Bonanza, Charles Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie, and Jonathan Smith in Highway to Heaven.

7. Reggie Bush (2005) - Professional football running back, known for earning consensus All-American honors twice and winning the 2005 Heisman Trophy.

8. Jim Lovell (1961) - Astronaut and naval aviator, known for being one of the first three astronauts to fly and orbit the moon as a command module pilot of Apollo 8. 

9. John Wayne (1926) - Actor, known as ‘The Duke’ is popular for starring in films produced in Hollywood’s Golden Age.

10. America Ferrera (2003) - Actress and television producer, known for receiving a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe Award. She is famous for her role as Amy in Superstore.

Student Housing at the University of Southern California

University of Southern California campus does have accommodations for the students, however, USC students prefer staying off campus due to the added freedom and flexibility that it offers. Whether you're looking for a modern apartment near campus or a shared space with roommates, several neighborhoods around USC offer comfortable and convenient living options.

Popular student housing areas near the University of Southern California (USC), offer access to modern apartments with amenities like fitness centers, study lounges, and easy transportation links to campus. For students seeking secure and budget-friendly off-campus housing near USC, amber offers a variety of accommodations tailored to different preferences and needs. Here are some top picks for off-campus housing near USC!

1. The Hive On Ellendale, Los Angeles - Located just 25 minutes from USC, the property has its own bike storage facility, on-site laundry, and shared room facilities for students!

2. 1373 W 37th Dr, Los Angeles - Located 30 minutes from USC, the property has a laundry facility, parking, AC, Heater, and many more amenities. It has a variety of private room options.

3. Polaris, Los Angeles - 30 minutes from USC, this property has its fitness center, shuttle to campus, garden, parking, and many more facilities. Students can book private rooms and have their personal space.

4. 1545 W 36th Pl, Los Angeles - The apartment is located 30 minutes from the university and has facilities like parking, a heater, a yard, and a garden among others. Shared rooms and private rooms are the available room options.

5. 1651 W 37th Pl, Los Angeles - Just 30 minutes from the university, the apartment is loaded with facilities like AC, garden, parking, Shuttle facility to the campus, and many more. The property offers private room options to the students!