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College Info
3 items available
At a glance
- Type
- private
Official website
www.usc.eduUSAQS #116 World📊 Live dataCatalogue complete
University Of Southern Californiahern
The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university located in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 1880 and is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. USC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, arts, and sciences. The university is also renowned for its professional schools, such as the USC School of Cinematic Arts, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and the USC Marshall School of Business.
Key Facts
Last full enrichment: 7 Jun 2026
Live portal snapshot
QS #116 · 2025Outlook #20 · 2024Times #65 · 2024US News #74 · 2024Shanghai #51 · 2023
- Living Costs (estimated): $1,850
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Campus Vibe
Urban, 468 acres
The University of Southern California (USC) offers a vibrant urban campus life with a strong emphasis on athletics and academics. The university is known for its diverse student body and large community, providing a dynamic and engaging environment for students.
SportyAcademicResidentialInternationally DiverseLarge Community
10/10
Diversity
8/10
Academic Rigor
7/10
City safety (heuristic)
9/10
Social scene
Weather: Mild, rainy winters
Living costs: High — budget £1.2k+/mo excluding tuition
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Career Outcomes
$23,333 avg starting salary
0% placement rate
USC has a strong focus on career development and offers various resources to help students succeed in their professional lives. The university has a high placement rate and offers a wide range of internship opportunities for students.
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Student Life
50,000 students (20,000 international)
Campus: Urban, 468 acres
Climate: Mild, rainy winters
High — budget £1.2k+/mo excluding tuition
USC has a student population of over 50,000, with a diverse and international student body. The university offers a wide range of student life activities and organizations, providing students with a rich and engaging campus experience.
USC LibrariesReed Athletics CenterViterbi School of EngineeringStudent HousingDining Commons
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Application Insider
Acceptance rate: 18.5%
IELTS: Overall 6.5
When to apply: Dec–Mar for Fall; rolling varies by school
USC has an acceptance rate of 18.5%, making it a competitive university to get into. The best time to apply is between December and March for the fall semester, with rolling admissions available for some schools.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting generic SOPs — tailor your story to 2–3 program-specific points
- Missing document certified translations where required
- Applying in the final round without buffer for visa timelines
- Ignoring conditional offers — respond before the deadline in the portal
💡IELTS requirement: Overall 6.5
💡Acceptance rate: 18.5%
💡Latest cutoff: IELTS 7.0
💡Typical apply window for United States: Dec–Mar for Fall; rolling varies by school