About University of Southern California
The Trojan Family extends across Hollywood studios and Fortune 500 boardrooms with legendary reach. USC enrolls 20,817 students in the heart of Los Angeles, where the film school has launched careers like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. This private research university accepts just 12% of applicants, drawing students who score an average 1500 on the SAT. The campus sits minutes from downtown LA, placing internships and industry connections within reach.
Students pay an average net price of $31,927 after financial aid, far below the $68,237 sticker price. Graduates earn a median $92,498 ten years after college, making the typical debt load of $18,000 manageable with monthly payments around $191. The investment pays off quickly, with 92% graduating within four years and 92% finding employment soon after.
The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women, with strong diversity across racial lines. USC awards over $24 million in athletic scholarships annually, supporting 20 varsity sports that compete in the Big Ten Conference. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while 96.5% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Alumni loyalty runs deep, creating networking opportunities that extend well beyond graduation.
Students pay an average net price of $31,927 after financial aid, far below the $68,237 sticker price. Graduates earn a median $92,498 ten years after college, making the typical debt load of $18,000 manageable with monthly payments around $191. The investment pays off quickly, with 92% graduating within four years and 92% finding employment soon after.
The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women, with strong diversity across racial lines. USC awards over $24 million in athletic scholarships annually, supporting 20 varsity sports that compete in the Big Ten Conference. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while 96.5% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Alumni loyalty runs deep, creating networking opportunities that extend well beyond graduation.
Academics & Faculty
USC stands out as a private research university where creative industries meet rigorous academics. The film school consistently ranks among the world's best, launching careers of directors like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. Students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship across disciplines. The 92% four-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support systems. Beyond entertainment, USC excels in business, engineering, and communications programs. The research university designation means undergraduates can participate in modern projects alongside faculty. Students gain access to extensive internship networks in Los Angeles, particularly valuable for those pursuing careers in media, technology, and business.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 59.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 92.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 92.0%
- Retention Rate
- 96.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $92,498
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $187,234 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $163,225 |
| Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other. | Master | $135,393 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $131,090 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $126,683 |
| Real Estate Development. | Master | $122,038 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Certificate | $122,038 |
| Marketing. | Certificate | $117,572 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $116,083 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $112,319 |
Campus Life
USC sits in the heart of Los Angeles, where students swap winter coats for year-round sunscreen and flip-flops. The university houses 8,500 students on campus out of its 20,817 total enrollment, creating a tight-knit residential community within America's second-largest city. Students can walk to downtown LA or catch an Uber to Santa Monica beaches within 30 minutes.
Weekend life revolves around Trojan football games and the legendary school spirit that comes with them. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, but students still find plenty of time to network at Hollywood industry events just miles away. With 27.57% white, 24.77% Asian, and 18.27% Hispanic students, the campus reflects LA's diversity. The famous "Trojan Family" alumni network isn't just marketing speak - it's how film students land internships at major studios and business majors score jobs at entertainment companies. Students often joke that USC stands for "University of Spoiled Children," but the 96.50% retention rate suggests most find the expensive experience worth staying for.
Weekend life revolves around Trojan football games and the legendary school spirit that comes with them. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, but students still find plenty of time to network at Hollywood industry events just miles away. With 27.57% white, 24.77% Asian, and 18.27% Hispanic students, the campus reflects LA's diversity. The famous "Trojan Family" alumni network isn't just marketing speak - it's how film students land internships at major studios and business majors score jobs at entertainment companies. Students often joke that USC stands for "University of Spoiled Children," but the 96.50% retention rate suggests most find the expensive experience worth staying for.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 8,500 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1880
Campus Safety (2023)
673 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 251 | 0 | 39 | 25 |
| Burglary | 38 | 11 | 21 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 15 | 1 | 13 | 37 |
| Stalking | 46 | 11 | 4 | 0 |
| Fondling | 30 | 2 | 2 | 7 |
| Rape | 17 | 12 | 8 | 2 |
| Robbery | 9 | 0 | 4 | 20 |
| Dating Violence | 9 | 7 | 4 | 8 |
| Arson | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Statutory Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 48°–68°F
- July Avg
- 64°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 14.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
USC draws ambitious students chasing Hollywood dreams and Silicon Valley fortunes. The 58% out-of-state enrollment reflects the school's national magnetism, particularly for aspiring filmmakers and tech entrepreneurs. Students here are academically top, with average SAT scores of 1500. The diverse student body mirrors Los Angeles itself, with strong Asian American representation at 25% and growing Hispanic enrollment at 18%. Only 22% receive Pell Grants, indicating a predominantly affluent student population willing to invest heavily in the Trojan network's legendary career connections.
- Men
- 48.2%
- Women
- 51.8%
- White
- 27.6%
- Black
- 7.1%
- Hispanic
- 18.3%
- Asian
- 24.8%
- In-State Students
- 42.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.7%
Location
USC sits in the heart of Los Angeles, one of America's largest cities with over 4 million residents. The campus occupies 226 acres in downtown LA, just miles from Hollywood studios where many graduates eventually work. Students live surrounded by the entertainment capital of the world, with beaches 20 minutes west and mountains an hour east. The urban setting means internships at major corporations, film studios, and tech companies are readily accessible. LA's year-round sunshine and 70-degree average temperatures create an ideal environment for the university's 20 varsity sports programs. Students considering colleges in California may also compare USC with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Los Angeles, California 90089
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $92,498
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $91,408
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $61,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 80.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $191/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Southern California?
USC accepts just 12.02% of applicants, making it highly selective. Admitted students typically score between 1450-1550 on the SAT. The school draws heavily from California, with 42.18% of students coming from in-state.
How much does University of Southern California cost after financial aid?
The total cost reaches $88,635 annually, but the average net price drops to $31,927 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,470 on average. Only 21.66% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the wealthy student body.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Southern California?
USC maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with 20,817 total students. The school excels in retention, keeping 96.50% of freshmen for sophomore year. USC is famous for its top-ranked film school and strong connections to Hollywood.
What are the career outcomes for University of Southern California graduates?
USC graduates earn a median salary of $92,498 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 91.9% after graduation. Alumni leverage USC's powerful Trojan network, particularly strong in entertainment and business.
Where is University of Southern California located and what is campus life like?
USC sits in the heart of Los Angeles, offering big city opportunities and internships. The campus houses 8,500 students in residence halls. As Division I Trojans in the Big Ten Conference, athletics play a major role with 20 varsity sports and $24.7 million in athletic scholarships.
What makes University of Southern California's film program special?
USC's School of Cinematic Arts has produced legends like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The program benefits from direct industry connections in nearby Hollywood. Students gain access to professional equipment and mentorship from working filmmakers throughout Los Angeles.
