A place like no other
A world of possibilities
A uniquely global perspective and a student population representing a wide array of perspectives and academic and professional goals. Top-ranked schools and programs. A vibrant campus life and the world-class city of Los Angeles that we call home. This is USC.
You will soon make a decision that will enhance the course of your life in ways that you can only imagine right now. Limitless opportunities will open to you, allowing you to uncover new things about yourself along the way. The next few pages will show you what makes USC one of the premier private research universities in the nation — and why so many are proud to be a part of the Trojan Family.
“With a USC degree, you can be a top leader in any community and the industry of your choice.”
— Malcolm Ferrouillet | New Orleans, Louisiana
Major: Public Relations and Advertising
Unparalleled academics
USC seeks and attracts talented students from around the globe who want to make unique contributions to the world.
• Design your own studies with 150+ majors and 250+ minors.
• Discover new interests through a flexible General Education program that offers courses across 16 schools.
• Learn from faculty who are renowned experts in their fields.
• Enjoy access to facilities and technologies that rival those of professional settings.
• Participate in groundbreaking research as soon as your first year.
USC prepares students to be citizens of the world.
• Live and learn alongside students from 130+ countries.
• Engage with other languages and cultures through our study abroad programs in 130+ cities in 50+ countries.
“Only at USC am I able to have fun plans literally all the time. My friends and I did an eight-mile Hollywood sign hike, we’ve gone to the beach several times, I went to a beach bonfire, we’ve tried new restaurants in Downtown L.A., and I’m planning on going to plenty of concerts!!”
— Waverly Bagley | Scottsdale, Arizona
Major: Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation
Your home away from home
Campus Life
The USC University Park Campus is a residential community located just minutes from the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.
• Our 229-acre campus comprises a vibrant mix of green and park spaces, fountains and sculptures, and contemporary and traditional architecture.
• Student housing offers a choice of traditional residence hall rooms, suites or apartments.
• Living Learning Communities unite students with similar backgrounds and interests.
Los Angeles: The City of Angels
As a USC student, you will live in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. As a major economic hub, L.A. provides countless job and internship opportunities across an array of industries. Major cultural institutions and near perfect weather also allow for a wide range of recreational activities.
A spirited community
USC students and alumni are known for their “Fight On!” spirit. The university’s colors—cardinal and gold—are on full display as we cheer on our athletes at national championships and the Summer Olympic games.
Trojan Family
All USC students and alumni are members of the close-knit Trojan Family, which is united by a passion to excel and a camaraderie that extends to all aspects of life. Long after graduation day, Trojans continue to help one another by illuminating the pathways to success for generations of USC students.
“The USC Trojan Family is unique because it encompasses a diverse array of students from around the world. However, what truly sets us apart is the common thread of Trojan spirit that unites everyone on campus.”
— Ravenn Sanders | Memphis, Tennessee
Major: Music Industry
A place to be you
“At USC, you have the chance to become exactly who you want to be while being supported and surrounded by a community of other ambitious, talented students who are also pursuing their dreams.”
— Abby Jarvis | Bartlett, Illinois
Major: Spanish
Beyond the Classroom
Find community by engaging with fellow students representing a multitude of interests and perspectives.
• Explore a new activity or deepen your passion through hundreds of clubs and organizations.
• Volunteer in the local community or overseas through service-learning projects.
• Play recreational sports through our 50+ club sports and intramural leagues.
• Expand your point of view by attending performances, exhibitions and presentations by acclaimed artists and distinguished speakers.
Finding Community
USC comprises one of the most dynamic undergraduate populations of any topranked university in the U.S. More than two-thirds of our students are people of color, and over 20 percent are firstgeneration students. All students are invited to explore their own culture, and learn more about other cultures, through our cultural communities.
See for yourself
There are numerous ways for you to learn about becoming a USC student, whether in person or online. Information sessions with admission counselors provide insight into the admission and financial aid processes, as well as the undergraduate experience. Tours of campus led by current students offer a glimpse into life at a world-class university.
Ask an Ambassador!
Looking for answers to your questions about student life?
Chat one-on-one with a Student Ambassador on our website! admission.usc.edu/student-ambassadors
To find out more about our events, or to find the USC admission counselor who works with your school, visit: admission.usc.edu/meet-us
Apply to USC
USC students represent an array of interests and passions. Bold, driven, curious and creative, they want to make an impact, both in and out of the classroom.
We look for 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 your academic achievements and personal characteristics. We will review your performance in school and test scores (if you choose to submit them). We will also consider your essay and shortanswer responses, as well as the activities you engage in outside the classroom, such as sports, clubs, leadership opportunities, part-time jobs, family commitments and community involvement. Above all, we want to understand the experiences that have shaped you and made you YOU.
USC’s test-optional policy: admission.usc.edu/testoptional-faq
Fall 2025
83,500 APPLICANTS
Financial Aid
With one of the largest financial aid programs in the country, USC has a long tradition of working with parents and families to meet the financial needs of our students.*
Our Affordability Initiative also ensures that students from U.S. families with an annual income of $80,000 or less with typical assets will attend USC tuitionfree.
USC’s admission process is needblind for domestic applicants, meaning that a student’s ability to pay or interest in financial aid has no bearing on their admission decision. ADMITS 8,700
3,650 SIZE OF ENTERING CLASS
More than two-thirds of USC undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, including merit scholarships, need-based grants, Federal Work-Study and loans.
*While USC expects that parents will play a leading role in financing a college education, our Financial Aid Office coordinates school, state and federal funds to bridge the gap between the cost of attendance and what families can afford to pay out of pocket. Students must meet all eligibility requirements and deadlines to be considered for full financial aid.
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.
Learn more at financialaid.usc.edu
Dates & Deadlines
November 1, 2025
• FIRST-YEAR EARLY ACTION DEADLINE
• FIRST-YEAR EARLY DECISION DEADLINE (MARSHALL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PROGRAMS)
• MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE
December 1, 2025
REGULAR DECISION FOR MAJORS REQUIRING A PORTFOLIO OR AUDITION
January 10, 2026
FIRST-YEAR REGULAR DECISION
The Common App opens August 1. Apply at admission.usc.edu/commonapp
Office of Admission
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0911
Gain tips, advice and insights into our admission process directly from our counselors at www.admissionblog.usc.edu
@uscadmission