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Meet USC
A college experience like no other... Welcome to USC. Each year, thousands of bold, curious and ambitious students join the dynamic community of the University of Southern California, a top-ranked private research institution in the heart of a vibrant world center. USC will offer you wide-ranging opportunities to pursue interdisciplinary studies, develop a global perspective, expand your interests outside the classroom, and enjoy all the advantages of living in one of the top 20 economies in the world. With the lifelong support of the Trojan Family, you will develop the confidence, resourcefulness and problem-solving skills necessary to pursue the career of your dreams and meet the challenges of the 21st century. We invite you to discover why USC should be at the top of your college list by reading through this booklet with your parents or family members. If you still have questions, we're here to help! You can find the USC counselor who works with your school or region through our "Find Your Counselor" page at admission.usc.edu/find-your-counselor. USC admission counselors are ready to assist you in realizing your college dreams. Ready to explore all that USC has to offer? Fight On!
Table of Contents The USC Advantage
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Academics
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Global Perspective
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Campus Life
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Los Angeles
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Trojan Family
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Our Schools and Majors
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Our Schools
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Our Majors
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Admission and Financial Aid
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Admission
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Financial Aid
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Campus Map
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T h e US C Ad va ntage
USC at a Glance 1880 FOUNDED
229 SIZE OF CAMPUS IN ACRES
$928.6 million
SPONSORED RESEARCH 2024-2025
21,000 UNDERGRADUATES ENROLLED
25,000 GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS ENROLLED
9:1 STUDENT-TO-FACULTY RATIO
25 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
23 LIBRARIES
4,578 FULL-TIME FACULTY
130+ COUNTRIES OF CITIZENSHIP (REPRESENTED BY STUDENT BODY)
500,000+ ALUMNI WORLDWIDE
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Academics “I never feel restricted in my educational pursuits. I came into USC knowing my passions, but being able to take courses in other schools allowed me to find new passions along the way.” ALYSSA CAGAN, FLORIDA
Academic Diversity
Innovative Collaborative Learning
An interdisciplinary approach is the hallmark of a USC education. At USC, you can select from more than 150 majors and more than 250 minors. Our General Education program will introduce you to fields of study ranging from the arts and letters to science and its principles. Many students develop passions for, and go on to major or minor in, subjects outside their comfort zones.
At USC, you can learn how to engage complex challenges and drive societal innovation. Collaborative environments are specially designed to teach you to connect knowledge across various sectors and disciplines. The USC Iovine and Young Academy offers unique Bachelor of Science programs in integrative innovation across design, technology, business and communication. Ground-breaking programs at the schools of Music, Cinematic Arts, Business, and Engineering will teach you to think creatively, and communicate and inspire others across multiple disciplines.
Research At USC, you will have numerous opportunities to contribute to the creation and discovery of knowledge. Each year, USC sets aside several million dollars to fund undergraduate research through stipends, fellowships and tuition remission.
Distinguish Yourself Our signature academic honors and fellowship programs attract and reward motivated students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, creativity, global awareness and scholarly research — both inside and outside the classroom. Upon graduation, students can receive Renaissance Scholar, Global Scholar or Discovery Scholar distinctions. Eligible first-year students can distinguish themselves in the prestigious and intellectually rigorous Thematic Option program or the Dornsife Pre-Med Academy. Learn more about how you can distinguish yourself. ahf.usc.edu 3
T h e US C Ad va ntage
Consider a Minor Pursuing a minor or combination of minors across different schools allows you to complement your major coursework with skills and knowledge obtained through another discipline — or simply to explore your interests outside your major. Whether pursuing double majors or unique major-minor combinations, most students at USC are able to complete their degree requirements within four years.
Progressive Degree Programs Through our Progressive Degree Programs, students can apply their undergraduate coursework toward the completion of a master's degree, and graduate in less time than it would otherwise take. academicprograms. usc.edu/progressive-degree-programs
Choose from more than 250 minors across a broad range of disciplines. Here are just a few of the possibilities.
• Artificial Intelligence Applications • Business Law • Blockchain • Ceramics • Comedy Performance • Consumer Behavior • Entrepreneurship • Fashion • Food and Society • Game Design • Human Rights • Internet of Things
• Justice, Voice and Advocacy • Marine Biology • Mind Body Studies • Music Production • Nonprofits, Philanthropy and Volunteerism • Real Estate Finance • Sports Business and Management • User Experience • Video Game Production
Engage With World-Class Faculty Every Day Your classes will be taught by world-renowned experts in their fields: leading scholars and active professionals who continue to explore novel ideas, develop new technologies and contribute to the world’s wealth of knowledge. You will have the opportunity to discuss your ideas, receive feedback on your class projects and engage in high-level research and creative pursuits.
Seventy-one faculty have become members of the prestigious National Academies, serving as advisors to the nation on science, engineering and medicine.
USC faculty are recipients of hundreds of academic and professional honors, including the Nobel and Pulitzer prizes; the Pritzker Architecture Prize; Academy, Emmy and GRAMMY awards; MacArthur fellowships; and awards from the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Other measures of our faculty’s intellectual clout include the amount of sponsored research funding they receive — $928.6 million for the 2024-2025 academic year — and their long list of life-changing inventions, celebrated books, prize-winning performances, and media appearances and mentions.
Faculty-Led Research Projects Through USC’s institutes and initiatives, our faculty are pursuing research with the potential to transform lives —and the world we live in. research.usc.edu
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• Alfred E. Mann Institute for Biomedical Engineering • American Language Institute • Brain and Creativity Institute • Game Innovation Lab • Media, Economics & Entrepreneurship (M{2e}) • Robotics and Autonomous Systems Center • Stevens Center for Innovation • Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies
Global Perspective A global outlook has never been as vital as it is today. When you graduate college, you will need the knowledge, experience and skills to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
Worldwide and World-Class At USC, you will join a dynamic community of individuals from all walks of life. USC enrolls undergraduate students from across the U.S. and around the world, more than a quarter of whom are the first generation in their families to attend college. You will have opportunities to broaden your perspective through over 130 study abroad programs offered across six continents. Through USC's global initiatives, such as Problems Without Passports, you will be able to research issues that transcend nations and cultures. Throughout your studies and long after you graduate, USC's International Offices across Asia, Europe and the Americas will keep you connected to the Trojan Family, no matter where you are in the world! global.usc.edu
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Students benefit from the resources of a major research institution and the intimate feel of a smaller liberal arts college.
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T he US C Ad vantage
Campus Life Get Involved At USC, you will join one of the most dynamic student populations in the U.S., representing nearly all U.S. states and territories, and over 130 countries around the world. You will meet artists, performers and writers. Scientists and athletes. Leaders and innovators. They will not only enrich your academic experience, but will also challenge you and broaden your perspective outside the classroom.
Student Organizations More than 1,000 clubs and organizations give students opportunities to pursue special interests, develop leadership skills, help others and just have fun. USC fosters a culture of service. You will find ample opportunities to volunteer with local schools, community groups and businesses; participate in Alternative Spring Break programs; and learn to apply academic skills to solving real-world problems. Reflecting the variety of our backgrounds, a wide range of campus organizations and communities bring together students to explore politics, culture, spirituality and academic or professional interests. Although non-sectarian, USC is home to a vibrant multifaith community of more than 90 student religious groups, representing most of the world’s major denominations, and comprising a strong Interfaith Council. USC maintains a long tradition of celebrating and supporting the visual and performing arts. The Visions and Voices initiative brings the world’s best writers, musicians and performers to the USC community each year. Students can also find numerous free film screenings, art exhibits, lectures and performances through our visual and performing arts schools. Learn more: campusactivities.usc.edu 8
USC’s Student Culture and Community centers offer student support services and organizations that facilitate dialogue and community-building with a focus on belonging and well-being. Programs include: • Asian Pacific American Student Services (APASS) • Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs (CBCSA) • First Generation Plus Success Center (FG+SC) • La CASA • LGBTQ+ Student Center • Middle Eastern North African (MENA) Lounge • Native American Pasifika (NAP) Lounge • Veterans Resource Center
youbelong.usc.edu
Living at USC The USC campus serves as a "city within a city," with all the resources you need — right outside your door. USC is a residential community where most undergraduate students live on or near campus, typically within a short walk or bike ride. Students enjoy the beauty of 229 acres of parks, green spaces, fountains and statues, all against a mix of traditional and modern architecture. Additionally, from engineering programs that promote the design and development of green technologies, to our rideshare and commuter services, to healthy dining options, USC remains committed to the environment and sustainability. Offering special on- and off-campus activities, from dinners with guest speakers to community service opportunities, each residential college encourages students to continue their education outside the classroom, meet new people and hone leadership skills. Faculty in residence help plan activities and ease the transition to campus life. In typical years, around 98 percent of first-year students live in USC residence halls, even though it’s not required. Floor plans include traditional one- and two-person rooms, suites accommodating up to eight residents, and one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Meals and Dining Most USC housing options include required meal plans, which allow students to access meals in our three dining halls, or spend Dining Dollars in retail cafés around campus. On- and off-campus cafés, restaurants and dining halls offer meal options from kosher to vegetarian, buffet-style to grab-and-go snacks. Popular dining venues contribute to a vibrant campus life by hosting open-mic nights, USC Thornton jazz combos, talent shows and other events such as the “What Matters to Me and Why” speaker series.
USC Village The USC Village comprises a town center providing 1.2 million square feet of retail and residential space, including a full-service grocery store, restaurants and recreational spaces. Eight residential colleges provide 2,500 beds for USC students in the Village. With expanded social, residential and academic opportunities being added nearly every day, the USC Village is the heart of the undergraduate experience at USC.
housing.usc.edu
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13 WOMEN'S VARSITY TEAMS
10 MEN'S VARSITY TEAMS
139 TEAM NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
9,600+ INTRAMURAL SPORTS PARTICIPANTS
50+ CLUB TEAMS
342 OLYMPIC MEDALS
USC Athletics Whether you're looking forward to cheering on the USC football team at the L.A. Coliseum, rooting for your favorite USC Olympic athlete, or proudly wearing your Cardinal ’n’ Gold, you probably know that school spirit and athletic competition are some of the most rewarding and memorable aspects of the USC experience.
Did You Know: NCAA Sports USC students have achieved outstanding records in our 23 men’s and women’s NCAA Division I sports. USC has also graduated 523 professional NFL players, and 119 MLB players.
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Olympic Medals Our past and current Olympic athletes have represented 68 countries and earned 160 gold medals including seven in the 2024 Paris Games. And many — including USC alumna and track icon, Allyson Felix — are preparing to compete in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Club and Intramural Sports A majority of our undergraduates participate in at least one varsity, club or intramural sport, ranging from soccer to foosball. At USC, you will discover that participating in our scholar-athlete tradition will provide some of the best opportunities for you to grow and challenge yourself, make friends, and forge memories that will last a lifetime.
Los Angeles As a USC student, you will experience life in a thriving cosmopolitan center that stands at the crossroads of the Pacific Rim and Latin America. The region’s diverse terrain boasts a distinctive climate that makes possible a wide range of outdoor activities. No urban area in the country is as densely populated yet has so much open space, from the miles of sun-drenched beaches to the horse-riding trails and famous observatory of Griffith Park. Less than three miles from campus is the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, an area enlivened by a sophisticated arts scene, numerous entertainment venues and world cuisine. Just across the street from the University Park Campus, students can explore the cultural and historical offerings of Exposition Park, including the Natural History Museum, the California Science Center, the California African American Museum, and soon, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.
Internships As a world leader in aerospace, entertainment, fashion, technology, telecommunications, biomedicine and trade, Los Angeles offers prime internship opportunities, which can help you make professional connections and prepare you for the career of your dreams. careers.usc.edu
Getting Around Although L.A. is famous for its car culture, a variety of options can help you navigate the city, car-free. Students can sign up for free, unlimited rides on Metro bus and rail lines through the university's U-Pass program. Daily shuttles operate between the University Park and Health Sciences campuses, with stops at Union Station. The Metro E Line train connects Santa Monica and the beaches with USC and Downtown L.A. The university also has a carpool program, in addition to partnerships with Lyft rideshare, Zipcar, and Enterprise car rental. transnet.usc.edu
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T h e US C Ad va ntage
Notable Alumni Will Ferrell ACTOR/COMEDIAN, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, ANCHORMAN
Frank Gehry ARCHITECT
Neil Armstrong ASTRONAUT, AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER
Rachel Scott SENIOR CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT, ABC NEWS
The Trojan Family
Ryan Coogler FILMMAKER, CREED, BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER, SINNERS
Shonda Rhimes
TV PRODUCER AND WRITER, GREY'S ANATOMY, SCANDAL, BRIDGERTON
For many of us, “family” is more than simply a matter of heritage. At USC, you will discover a whole new meaning for the word. If you value the free and open exchange of ideas and genuinely respect cultural differences, you will discover kindred spirits. You will connect with those who share your interests, experiences and passions, as well as with those who appreciate and need your talents in all manner of endeavors — from academics to community service from athletics to religion. You will discover lasting friendships among the thousands of USC faculty, academic advisors, staff and alumni.
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Some of these individuals will become mentors — guides who will help shape the course of your life. Whatever your goals, whatever your interests, whatever your aptitudes or personal style, the Trojan Family will be there for you, lifelong and worldwide.
Our S c ho o l s and Major s
Our Schools
USC SCHOOLS, PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Imagine a university where you can pursue your passions across two or more schools, learn from worldclass faculty, distinguish yourself with academic honors and pursue faculty-led or original research — all without leaving campus. At USC, it’s possible! You won’t have to decide on just one academic department or degree track. Our 17 schools with undergraduate programs will allow you to combine majors and minors in unique — and uniquely interdisciplinary — programs of study. Each school is widely recognized for academic excellence, ensuring that you will be exceptionally well prepared for whatever career path you choose.
Liberal Arts
Business and Accounting
Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences The academic heart of the university, USC Dornsife combines the intimate setting of a liberal arts college with the intellectual excitement of a research university. With the Dornsife College's focus on interdisciplinary studies, students can choose from over 90 majors and 90 minors across the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. Our majors and minors add both depth and breadth to your knowledge and abilities with the opportunity to engage in research, service-learning, study abroad and internships.
Marshall School of Business and Leventhal School of Accounting
Marshall and Leventhal undergraduate programs offer a comprehensive business education designed for tomorrow’s leaders — those who combine human-centered leadership, technological fluency, and a strong sense of purpose. Students learn to navigate change, think critically, and solve real-world problems across industries and borders. Students gain early access to internships, industry networks, and hands-on learning that bring classroom theory to life. Global learning opportunities and semester-long study abroad programs give students an international edge. Here, students don’t just prepare for the future — they help define it.
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O ur S c ho o ls a nd Major s
Communication, Journalism, Public Relations and Advertising Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism prepares students to inquire, innovate and lead at the global crossroads of media, technology and culture. The school’s academic rigor, experiential learning opportunities and unparalleled network allow students to develop intellectual, professional and ethical depth as they engage with distinguished faculty. Through academic majors in communication, journalism, and public relations and advertising, students learn to be critical thinkers and highly skilled practitioners ready to be at the forefront of actively forming a more ethical and just world.
Engineering Viterbi School of Engineering Through more than 30 unique majors and areas of emphasis, ranging from aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence to computer science and civil engineering, students in the USC Viterbi School engage in a collaborative environment focused on creating new technologies to engineer a better world for all humanity. The curriculum balances theory and hands-on work while also engaging students with a full, traditional university experience. Viterbi encourages its students to pursue a minor or double major outside of engineering while learning in a diverse and interdisciplinary education we call “Engineering +.”
Human-Centered Design, Technology and the Business of Innovation Iovine and Young Academy The USC Iovine and Young Academy is an innovative professional school where students address real-world challenges through design, business, and technology, transcending traditional disciplines. Its Bachelor of Science programs develop skills in leadership, product innovation, and experiential computing. Through handson, collaborative learning, students work with leading organizations to apply their knowledge in real contexts. Founded by Jimmy Iovine and Andre “Dr. Dre” Young, the Academy prepares creative leaders to drive meaningful change in a dynamic global landscape.
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Law Gould School of Law Among the nation’s top-ranked law schools, USC Gould is redefining excellence in legal education. Gould’s undergraduate programs, which include the Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, offer rigorous academic training, guided by renowned professors who are leading experts in their fields. Students learn to become critical thinkers, gaining an in-depth understanding of the U.S. legal system and its societal impact.
Medicine and Health Sciences Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Founded in 1975, the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is the oldest and largest school of its type in the world. Gerontology is the interdisciplinary study of human development and aging, integrating fields such as biology, psychology, sociology, policy, medicine and business. With nearly one-third of the U.S. population reaching retirement age, there has never been a better time to study this rapidly growing field. Keck School of Medicine There is perhaps no better place than USC for students to prepare for advanced studies or careers in the health professions. The Bachelor of Science in Global Health and the Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies foster multidisciplinary approaches to the study of health and allow students to tailor their coursework to their professional goals. Students graduate prepared for advanced degrees in health and medicine, ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Ranked #1 by U.S. News and World Report, the accelerated bachelor’s to doctorate degree in occupational therapy prepares students for clinical practice. This six-year program is designed for students committed to pursuing a career as an occupational therapist. Students receive individualized mentorship and training to prepare them to be global leaders in the field of occupational therapy and contribute to the quality of life of people around the world. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Founded in 1905, the Mann School of Pharmacy has played a key leadership role in both the advancement of the field of pharmacy and the education of new generations of pharmacists. The School offers majors in Biopharmaceutical Sciences, and Pharmacology and Drug Development, in
addition to two minors — Science and Management of Biomedical Therapeutics, and Foundation in Regulatory Sciences — all of which are designed to prepare undergraduates focused on pre-pharmacy, pre-medicine and other health-related professions.
Public Policy Price School of Public Policy Fostering leadership, collaboration and innovative thinking, the USC Price School of Public Policy works to improve the quality of life for people and their communities around the world. Students enjoy the resources of a large research university, combine classroom knowledge with practical real-world experience, and gain a multidisciplinary perspective that facilitates effective problem-solving. Students go on to careers across the public sector and in nongovernmental organizations.
Social Work Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work USC’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares students to become ethical, change-driven professionals equipped to address systemic challenges, promote human rights, and social, economic and environmental change. Guided by the NASW Code of Ethics and aligned with CSWE accreditation standards, the interdisciplinary curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills to lead and serve in various settings across individual, community and policy levels.
Visual and Performing Arts Schools USC School of Architecture The USC School of Architecture prepares future leaders in architecture and design through a rigorous, innovationdriven curriculum. With a strong emphasis on research, design excellence, and hands-on fabrication, the School equips students to address urgent social and environmental challenges. Committed to sustainability, it fosters critical inquiry and empowers graduates to shape a more resilient built environment.
Roski School of Art and Design The Roski School of Art and Design offers areas of study across all media and encourages students to explore and move freely among them. Roski School undergraduates do not major in a specific medium or concentration (such as, ceramics, painting, critical studies, etc.). Instead, students are empowered to mix and match their skillsets as they discover what is relevant to their needs and interests. Graduates go on to careers as artists, designers and museum curators.
USC School of Cinematic Arts Founded in collaboration with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1929, the USC School of Cinematic Arts has fueled and mirrored the growth of entertainment as an industry and an art form. The School offers comprehensive programs backed by a broad liberal arts education and taught by leading practitioners in each field. Graduates enter a wide array of fields in the entertainment industry, pursuing careers as writers, directors, producers, game and interactive media designers, and creators across a range of companies and organizations. Their expertise is also sought across a variety of related academic or research fields.
Glorya Kaufman School of Dance The USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance combines a conservatory environment and interdisciplinary practice with the academic rigor of a major private research university. Its hallmark is the innovation of a hybrid movement model expressed in new media, scholarship, studio practice, music and choreography. USC Kaufman offers a robust performance repertory and strategic career skills, as well as opportunities for artistic development and collaboration with world-renowned artists in Los Angeles and beyond. Graduates pursue careers as dancers and choreographers, dance media specialists and journalists throughout the concert, commercial, music, theatre and film worlds.
USC School of Dramatic Arts The USC School of Dramatic Arts nurtures the talents of multi-hyphenated artist-scholars who are driven to imagine and shape the future of the entertainment industry. The School exposes students to diverse styles and mediums, equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Its faculty of working artists fosters a close-knit, supportive environment, and students gain practical experience through productions and opportunities throughout Los Angeles. It is the first drama school with a dedicated Professional Development Center devoted to supporting students and recent graduates.
Thornton School of Music As the music profession changes, the USC Thornton School of Music offers an innovative education that prepares students for careers at the highest level as performers, composers, educators and industry leaders, while making the most of its location in Los Angeles, the nation’s center for creativity and original art of all kinds. Thornton's unparalleled breadth of programs offer crossgenre experiences unique among the country’s top music schools. As a leading research university, USC offers students a rigorous, global education that enriches their artistic and musical development. 15
Ou r S c ho o l s a nd Majo r s
Our Majors Students can select from a wide array of options and are challenged across a broad range of ideas — within the curriculum and outside the classroom. Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences American Popular Culture American Studies and Ethnicity African American Studies American Studies Asian American Studies Chicano/Latino Studies Anthropology Applied and Computational Mathematics Archaeology and Heritage Studies Art History Astronomy Behavioral Economics and Psychology Biochemistry Biological Sciences Biophysics Central European Studies Chemistry Classics Cognitive Science Comparative Literature Computational Neuroscience Contemporary Latino and Latin American Studies Creative Writing Earth Sciences East Asian Area Studies East Asian Languages and Cultures (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) Economics Economics and Data Science Economics/Mathematics English Environmental Science and Health Environmental Studies French Gender and Sexuality Studies GeoDesign Geological Sciences Global Geodesign Global Studies Health and Human Sciences History Human Biology Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence 16
Intelligence and Cyber Operations International Relations International Relations (Global Business) International Relations and the Global Economy Italian Jewish Studies Latin American and Iberian Cultures, Media and Politics Law, History and Culture Linguistics Mathematics Middle East Studies Narrative Studies Neuroscience Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Change Philosophy Philosophy, Politics and Economics Philosophy, Politics and Law Physics Physics/Computer Science Political Economy Political Science Psychology Quantitative Biology Religion Russian Sociology Spanish
Marshall School of Business
USC School of Architecture
Dance, BFA
Architecture, B.ARCH Architecture and Inventive Technologies, B.S. *
USC School of Dramatic Arts
Iovine and Young Academy Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation, B.S. Business of Innovation, B.S. Human Technology Interaction, B.S.
Roski School of Art & Design Art, B.A. Design, BFA Fine Arts, BFA
Accounting Artificial Intelligence for Business * Business Administration Business of Cinematic Arts * Real Estate Finance and Development * World Bachelor in Business *
USC School of Cinematic Arts Animation + Digital Arts, BFA Cinema and Media Studies, B.A. Film and Television Production, BFA * Film and Television Production, B.A. ** Game Art, BFA Game Development and Interactive Design, BFA Media Arts + Practice, B.A. Themed Entertainment, BFA Writing for Screen & Television, BFA
Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism Communication Journalism Public Relations and Advertising
Kaufman School of Dance
Acting, Stage and Screen, BFA Dramatic Arts, B.A. Musical Theatre, BFA Sound Design, BFA Stage Management, BFA Theatrical Design, BFA
List accurate at time of printing. Please refer to the USC Catalogue at catalogue.usc.edu for a full list of undergraduate degrees, including additional majors (such as Data Science) and emphases to which you can apply once at USC.
Viterbi School of Engineering
Davis School of Gerontology
Aerospace Engineering Artificial Intelligence * Astronautical Engineering Biomedical Engineering Biomedical (Electrical) Biomedical (Mechanical) Biomedical (Molecular-Cellular) Chemical Engineering Chemical (Biological and Pharmaceutical) Chemical (Energy and Sustainability) Chemical (Materials) Chemical (Petroleum and Subsurface) Civil Engineering Civil (Building Science) Civil (Construction Engineering and Management) Civil (Structural) Computer Engineering and Computer Science Computer Science Computer Science Games Computer Science/Business Administration Electrical and Computer Engineering Environmental Engineering Industrial and Systems Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Human Development and Aging Lifespan Health
Gould School of Law
Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Occupational Therapy
Legal Studies
Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Keck School of Medicine
Biopharmaceutical Sciences Pharmacology and Drug Development
Global Health Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies
Thornton School of Music Bachelor of Music degrees: Choral Music Composition, Classical Jazz Studies (instrumental and vocal) Music Production Popular Music Performance Classical Performance Bassoon Percussion Cello Piano Clarinet Saxophone Double Bass Trombone Flute Trumpet French Horn Tuba Guitar Viola Harp Violin Oboe Vocal Arts
Bachelor of Science degree: Music Industry
Price School of Public Policy Public Policy Real Estate Development Urban Studies and Planning
Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Social Work *
Pre-Professional Emphases Pre-Dentistry Pre-Law Pre-Medicine Pre-Occupational Therapy Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Physician Assistant Practice Pre-Teaching * Available to first-year applicants only. ** Available to transfer applicants only. 17
Ad mi s s i on and F inancial A id
Admission We are interested in those students we believe will thrive at USC. Our application process is designed to discover your individual story so that we might see how you would take advantage of the many opportunities available at USC. We conduct a comprehensive, holistic review of your application that considers academic and personal characteristics. We will review your academic performance and the rigor of your program within the context of your secondary school. We also consider your writing skills and your test scores (if you choose to submit them), in addition to personal qualities, as revealed through community involvement, leadership and achievements.
Academics Incoming first-year students demonstrate superior academic performance and potential. Most admitted students are ranked in the top 10 percent of their graduating classes. Outside of mathematics, no specific curriculum is prescribed or required, though students offered admission typically pursue the most rigorous program available to them in English, science, social studies, foreign language and the arts. Students are expected to have earned a grade of C or better in at least every semester of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II (or in one year of higher math). Careful attention is paid to preparation for your intended major. The review is not formulaic — we try to envision your performance at the next level.
We are also looking for your potential to make an impact: your willingness to go beyond the requirements, to dig deeply into texts, to explore ideas and to become a lifelong learner. Ultimately we look for students who will become enthusiastic partners in learning and research.
Personal Characteristics We strive to enroll students who represent a vast array of perspectives and passions and who will enrich their classmates' educations by challenging and supporting one another, inside the classroom and out. Your essay and short-answer response will help us get to know your personality and your voice. Your teacher or counselor recommendation will speak to your academic success and the contributions you might make to the classroom, the broader learning environment and the community at large. These materials and your activities list will reflect the things you value. Your application will paint a picture of who you are and how you might contribute to the community, traditions and spirit that make USC the dynamic place it is.
Supplemental Materials for Visual and Performing Arts Programs Applicants to some majors must submit a portfolio or additional materials. In some cases, you will need to submit these by December 1. Our final decision is based in part on the feedback we receive from the faculty of these programs. Some of these programs are particularly competitive, so we will consider students for their second-choice majors as well, or we may admit them as Undecided/Exploratory.
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ADD USC TO YOUR COMMON APP LIST
Application Deadlines
Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision For more details about Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision admission, and other deadline information, please visit our Dates and Deadlines page at admission.usc.edu/deadlines.
First-Year Applicants Early Decision and Early Action
Regular Decision
November 1, 2026
December 1, 2026 For performing arts majors
Early Decision (ED) is binding and is intended only for students who are committed to attending USC, if admitted. Early Action (EA) is non-binding and non-restrictive. Candidates applying Early Decision or Early Action will be considered for USC Merit Scholarships.
Deadline to apply for admission to the following programs: Kaufman School of Dance School of Dramatic Arts Thornton School of Music
ED and EA are not available for the performing arts majors listed to the right.
Candidates applying to these programs by December 1 will be considered for USC Merit Scholarships.
ED admission decisions or deferrals to Regular Decision will be released in December 2026. EA Admission decisions or deferrals to Regular Decision will be released in January 2027.
January 10, 2027 All other majors Admission decisions for those applying by the Regular Decision deadlines will be released by April 1, 2027.
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Ad mi s s i on and F inancial A id
Application Checklist The Common Application USC uses the Common Application. Please visit admission.usc.edu/commonapp for detailed information. Personal essay Activities list
International Students Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support
Short answers
Official TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or qualifying ACT/SAT scores
Secondary school report (first-year applicants only)
See "Requirements for International Students" below.
Letter of recommendation from teacher or counselor. Required of all first-year applicants. May be required for some transfer applicants, depending on major Official High School and College Transcripts Mid-Year Report/Fall Grades (first-year applicants only) Official SAT or ACT (optional)
Requirements for International Students USC considers you an international student if you will enter or have already entered the United States with an F1 visa, or on a non-immigrant visa such as the E2, H2 or L2. TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, DuoLingo, or qualifying ACT/SAT scores: Submit scores from one of these tests taken within two years of your application date, if: • You are an international first-year or transfer applicant; and • Your native language is not English. Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support: Per U.S. government regulations, international students are required to submit proof of their ability to pay for their first year of studies. For full details regarding English proficiency requirements and to download the required financial statement, please visit admission.usc.edu/international.
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Additional materials, if required by major Performance majors may also require auditions. Learn more at admission.usc.edu/apply.
SAT and ACT Students who apply to the fall 2027 academic year will not be required to submit SAT or ACT scores, although they may still submit them if they wish. Applicants will not be penalized or put at a disadvantage if they choose not to submit these scores. admission.usc.edu/test-optional-policy-faq
Scholarships Roughly 9 percent of the fall 2026 first-year class received merit scholarships, ranging from a few thousand dollars all the way up to full-tuition awards. To be considered for USC Merit Scholarships, applicants should meet one of the appropriate deadlines indicated on the previous page. admission.usc.edu/scholarships USC scholarships sponsored by organizations outside the Office of Admission may require a separate application. USC Scholarships are administered consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Recipients are chosen without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited characteristic.
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Ad mi s s i on and F inancial A id
2026 Student Profiles 2026 First-Year Student Profile*
2025-26 Undergraduate Demographics
79,300
26%
APPLICATIONS
FIRST-GENERATION
10,000
52%
30%
CALIFORNIA
OTHER PARTS OF U.S.
24%
23%
WHITE
ASIAN/ASIAN-AMERICAN
3,650
19%
15%
SIZE OF ENTERING CLASS
LATINE/ HISPANIC
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
7%
7%
BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICAN
MULTI-ETHNIC
FALL ADMISSION OFFERS
A- Average IN A RIGOROUS, COLLEGE PREP CURRICULUM
<1% *AS OF JULY 2026
NATIVE AMERICAN OR PACIFIC ISLANDER
2026 Transfer Student Profile* 11,500
3.8
APPLICATIONS
AVERAGE COLLEGE GPA
3,000
1,400
FALL ADMISSION OFFERS
EXPECTED TRANSFER ENROLLED CLASS SIZE *AS OF JULY 2026
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Ad m i s s i on and F inancial A id
Financial Aid As one of the nation's largest financial aid programs, USC works in close partnership with families to make a USC education attainable, bridging the gap between the cost of attendance and each family's financial need through a coordinated blend of private, institutional, state and federal funding. We have a long tradition of meeting the USC-determined need for undergraduates who satisfy all eligibility requirements and meet all deadlines. Two-thirds of USC undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, including merit scholarships, need-based grants, Federal Work-Study and loans.
How to Apply • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): fafsa.gov • Complete the CSS Profile: cssprofile.collegeboard.org
Deadlines* First-Year Early Decision: November 1, 2026 First-Year Early Action: November 15, 2026 First-Year Regular Decision: February 3, 2027 Transfer Deadline: March 2, 2027 The financial aid application process is the same for students who apply Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Decision. Once the USC Financial Aid Office receives your applications, we will contact you via email if we require additional documents or information. Learn more: financialaid.usc.edu * Dates accurate as of July 2026.
Financial Aid Facts • In 2025-2026, more than $937 million in financial aid was awarded from all sources. • Nearly 80 percent of financial aid awarded in 20252026 comprised grants and scholarships — gift aid that does not have to be paid back.
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Financial Aid Calculators Find out if you might qualify for need-based financial aid. Visit our Financial Aid Calculators to receive an estimate of your cost, based on your family’s financial circumstances. financialaid.usc.edu/calculators
2026-2027 Estimated Cost of Attendance The following are estimated two-semester costs for a full-time USC undergraduate (taking 12-18 units each semester) living on or off campus:
Tuition Fees Housing* Food and meal plan* Books and supplies Personal and miscellaneous Transportation
$75,384 $1,952 $13,510 $8,442 $670 $2,016 $1,188
Total
$103,162
(Add $450 New Student Fee for your first semester.) *Includes average rent and the standard meal plan for students living in on-campus first-year housing.
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6
5
4
3
2
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7T H
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SCB Cinematic Arts (SCA)
SCI
Parking Lot SSRI
Jefferson
Norris
McCarthy Honors Residential College
UV One
F
Nemirovsky Residential College
Hillel Jewish Center
Our Savior Parish and USC Caruso
RETAIL PARKING 6 AM – 10 PM
ENTRANCE
Hebrew Union
Rawlinson Stadium Under Construction
Fire Station 15
To USC Community House
SOUTH HOOVER ST.
Bohnett Residential College
Cowlings Residential College
McMorrow Residential College
Cale Residential Hecuba College Irani Fitness Residential Center College
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Parking Lot V
Science and Engineering Library
WATT WAY
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Watt Powell Art and Architecture Library MacDonald Becket Wong Iovine and Young Hall
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Annis Gallery
Harris Hall
Ahmanson
Stauffer
Stabler
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To Coliseum
Bridge
D
Hancock
Hoffman
Leventhal
Metro Expo Park/USC
Philosophy Mudd Library Fisher Museum of Art
Rapp
Loker
Student Union
Tommy Trojan
Bovard Auditorium
CAMPUS CENTER
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Wallis SW Hedco AY Annenberg Neurosciences USC Bookstores Hall
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Biegler
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Parkside
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Football Practice
Michelson
PARKING STRUCTURE
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Parkside International
Parking Lot 33
Technical Theatre Laboratory
Scene Dock Theatre
Denney Research Center
DOWNEY WAY
ENTRANCE
Kaprielian
Marks Tennis Stadium
Golf Practice Facility Under Construction
Uytengsu Aquatics Center
Lyon Center
Webb
ENTRANCE
McCLINTOCK AVE. OPEN 24 HOURS
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USC Village Dining Hall HO
Great Lawn
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USC Ilium Residential College VILLAGE
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Troy Hall
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Dauterive Schaeffer Institute
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Libraries
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J
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USC Facilities Planning and Management
FE
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Academic
I
MAP KEY
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Metro Jefferson/USC
PARKING STRUCTURE
H
FIGUEROA ST.
Galen Athletic Pavilion University Gardens
ENTRANCE
Rosso Oro’s McKay’s
University Gateway
Cinematic Arts Station (SCS)
McCARTHY WAY OPEN 24 HOURS
Vineyard Room North Residential College
Norman Stadium
LA CE Charlotte S. and Davre J. Davidson Continuing Education Conference Center
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Figueroa Building Marks Tower
NW AY
MA
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Chad Tons Family Café
Popovich
Widney Alumni House
Pardee Tower
PARKING STRUCTURE
G
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Everybody’s Kitchen Dining Hall
Birnkrant Residential
Trojan Grounds featuring illy
McCARTHY WAY
Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow Center for International and Public Affairs
LIPA Library
Leavey Library
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Dedeaux Field
PARKING STRUCTURE
Pharmacy
McClintock Trojan Food Pantry King
Engemann Student Health Center
JEFFERSON BLVD.
Baseball Stadium Under Construction
Facilities Trailer One
TRF Research Zone Management Trailer
Parking Lot 1
JEFFERSON BLVD.
JEFFERSON BLVD.
ENTRANCE
Cardinal Gardens Apartments
AV E K
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6
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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID UNIVERSITY OF
Office of Admission
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA 90089-0911
@uscadmission admission.usc.edu | www.admissionblog.usc.edu
The University of Southern California prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, employment status, income status, shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics, partnership status, medical condition (including pregnancy and related medical conditions), disability, political belief or affiliation, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities. For questions about compliance with the notice of non-discrimination, please contact the Office of Civil Rights Compliance (OCRC) at https://ocrc.usc.edu or email ocrc@usc.edu. For disability-related questions, the University has also designated an ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, Christine Street, Associate Vice President, Disability Access and ADA Compliance, who can be reached at streetc@usc.edu, (213) 821-4658, 3601 Trousdale Parkway, Bldg. #89, Los Angeles, California 90089.