University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) has two primary campuses located in Los Angeles, California: the University Park Campus and the Health Sciences Campus. 

The University Park Campus is home to research centers, such as the Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience.  The Health Sciences Campus provides access to advanced medical research facilities.. 

Explore the details of the University of Southern California, research hubs, and unique features that make the USA the best country to study abroad.

University Park Campus (UPC)

• Academic Facilities: Home to state-of-the-art labs such as the USC Viterbi School of Engineering's Robotics Lab and the USC School of Cinematic Arts' production studios.
• Libraries and Research Centers: The Doheny Memorial Library and the USC Fisher Museum of Art offer students rich resources for research and creative exploration.
• Student Services: This includes the USC Career Center, which provides students with paid internship opportunities, job placements, and career development workshops.

Health Sciences Campus (HSC)

• Medical Facilities: Features specialized labs for clinical research, including the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of the nation's leading cancer research facilities.
• Training Clinics: The USC University Hospital and the USC School of Pharmacy's Medicinal Chemistry Lab serve as hands-on training sites for students in healthcare fields.
• Biomedical Research: The USC Stem Cell initiative offers cutting-edge labs focused on regenerative medicine and stem cell research.

With two amazing campuses, you can get all the things you need to survive at university in the US..

Following an overview of the campus, let's examine the latest rankings of the University of Southern California from various bodies. 

In 2025/26, the University of Southern California holds notable positions across major global rankings. It is ranked 146th by QS World University 2026 Rankings, 72nd by Times Higher Education, and 77th by U.S. News & World Report 2025 rankings. These rankings reflect USC's continued prominence in higher education, though with slight shifts in position across the years.

Below is a detailed breakdown of USC's rankings across these agencies.

Ranking Agency	2024	2025	2026
QS World University Rankings	116	125	146
Times Higher Education (THE)	74	72	NA
U.S. News & World Report	80	77	NA

Next, let's check if the University of Southern California excels in course-specific rankings.

Top Course-wise Ranking of the University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) holds strong course-wise rankings across various disciplines. For example, USC ranks 1st  in Game Design, 3rd in Real Estate, and 8th in Accounting, according to U.S. News & World Report. 

The Times Higher Education also ranks USC highly in fields such as Business & Economics (49th) and Medicine (54th).

Below is a breakdown of the University of Southern California's course rankings by major, as determined by various ranking bodies.

Program	Ranking Body	Ranking
Art & Humanities	Times Higher Education (THE)	87th
Business & Economics	Times Higher Education (THE)	49th
Medical	Times Higher Education (THE)	54th
Computer Science	Times Higher Education (THE)	64th
Education Studies	Times Higher Education (THE)	64th
Engineering	Times Higher Education (THE)	101st-125th
Law	Times Higher Education (THE)	77th
Life Science	Times Higher Education (THE)	88th
Physical Science	Times Higher Education (THE)	126th
Psychology	Times Higher Education (THE)	150th
Social Sciences	Times Higher Education (THE)	48th
Accounting	US News & Reports	8th
International Business	US News & Reports	9th
Real Estate	US News & Reports	3rd
Game Design	US News & Reports	1st
Economics	US News & Reports	30th
Geological Science	QS World Rankings	201st-250th
Astronomy & Physiology	QS World Rankings	28th

Now, let's review the University of Southern California admission process for 2025-26.

The University of Southern California assesses international applicants by performing credential evaluations. The University of Southern California (USC) is highly competitive, with only 9.8% of the 82,027 freshman applicants admitted. 

Of the 8,050 admitted students, 3,489 matriculated, and 22% of the incoming class were the first in their family to attend college. 

Below, you will find the complete admission details along with admission deadlines for 2025.

Admission Requirements

Before applying to the University of Southern California, you need to understand the education system in the US. 

For undergraduate programs, a competitive SAT score is typically 1300 or higher, or an ACT score of 28 or higher, although these were optional for the recent application cycle. 

Postgraduate applicants require a 3.0 GPA or higher, along with standardized test scores such as the GRE (300+ or higher) or the GMAT (700+ or higher) for business-related programs. 

Below are the detailed requirements for each level.

Academic Qualifications

For USC admission, undergraduate applicants must have completed Year X and Year XII from a recognized board, such as CBSE or ICSE. Postgraduate applicants must hold a recognized undergraduate degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.

With proper merit, you can also look for universities offering 50% scholarships for international students.

Below are the detailed academic qualifications for each level.

Requirement	Undergraduate (UG)	Postgraduate (PG)
Academic Qualifications	Completion of Year X and Year XII from recognized boards (e.g., CBSE, ICSE)	Completion of a recognized undergraduate degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.
Test Scores	SAT: 1300+ (Optional) ACT: 28+ (Optional)	GRE: Required for many programs (typically 300+) GMAT for MBA LSAT for Law (160+)
Letter of Recommendation	1-2 Letters of Recommendation (from teachers or counselors)	2-3 Letters of Recommendation (from professors, employers, or colleagues)
Personal Essay	Optional but recommended. Personal statement about your achievements and aspirations.	Required for most programs, reflecting personal goals and alignment with the program.
GPA	Typically, A1/A2 grades or 80%+ scores.	Competitive GPA for most programs: 3.0 or higher (out of 4.0).
Language Proficiency	TOEFL: 100+ IELTS: 7.0+ PTE: 68+ Duolingo: 130+	TOEFL iBT: 90+ IELTS: 6.5+ PTE: 61+ Duolingo: 120+

Note: For program-specific requirements, visit the official University of Southern California admissions page.

Let's move to the competitive exams that can improve your chances of admission to the University of Southern California.

Competitive Exams

For admission to USC, standardized exams such as the SAT, GRE, GMAT, and LSAT are required, depending on the program. For example, the MBA program typically requires a GMAT score, whereas a Doctorate in Business Administration requires a GMAT or GRE score of 700 or higher. 

Below are the specific exam requirements for each program.

Program	Average Score
Undergraduate (UG)	SAT/ACT: Not required for admission or scholarships
Postgraduate (PG)	GRE: Required for many non-business or health-related graduate programs, like the Master of Public Health. (300 total score or 160+ in quantitative reasoning) GMAT: Typically required for business-related programs, such as the MBA. LSAT: 160 or higher required for law programs.
Ph.D. Program	GMAT/GRE: Required 700+ for PhD programs related to business, such as the PhD in Business Administration

Note: The required and competitive scores may differ depending on the number of applications received

Next, you'll explore the language proficiency levels necessary for admission to the University of Southern California.

Language Proficiency

For undergraduate programs, a TOEFL iBT score of 100 overall is required, with a minimum of 20 in each section. Postgraduate programs typically require a TOEFL score of 90 overall, with a minimum of 20 in each section.

Below are the specific score requirements for each exam.

Exam	Undergraduate Requirement	Postgraduate Requirement
TOEFL iBT	100 overall, 20 in each section	90 overall, 20 in each section
IELTS Academic	7.0 overall	6.5 overall, 6.0 in each band
PTE	68	61 overall, 53 in each band
Duolingo English Test (DET)	130	Not specified

Next, you'll learn about the visa requirements for Indian students planning to study at the University of Southern California.

Visa Requirements

To obtain a student visa for the USA, you must follow several key steps, including confirming your acceptance with the University of Southern California's Visa department, requesting the I-20 form, completing the visa application, and paying the SEVIS fee. 

During the interview, you will be required to present your I-20/DS-2019, passport, visa application form, and any other supporting documents.

Below are the specific steps and details to guide you through the visa process.

Step	Details
Acceptance to USC	Once you are admitted, USC will issue you an I-20 Form (for F-1 visa) or DS-2019 Form (for J-1 visa)
I-20 Form Issuance	USC will guide you through the process of requesting your I-20 form.  You'll need to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
Visa Application	Complete the DS-160 form, pay the visa application fee, and submit your documents (passport, I-20, financial proof) for your F-1 visa interview.
SEVIS Fee Payment	Pay the SEVIS fee for F1 Visa online before your visa interview and retain the payment confirmation receipt.
Visa Interview	Attend your interview with all required documents, including your passport, I-20, DS-160, SEVIS receipt, and financial proof.

Let's now find the key deadlines and intake dates for the University of Southern California for the 2025-26 academic year.

The University of Southern California (USC) typically offers two main intakes for most programs: the Fall Intake (August/September) and the Spring Intake (January). 

For example, the Undergraduate Early Action and Early Decision deadlines are November 1, 2025, while the Undergraduate Regular Decision deadline (with no portfolio or audition required) is January 10, 2026.

Let's take a closer look at the specific deadlines for each intake and program type to help you plan accordingly.

Category	Deadline
Undergraduate (Early Action)	November 1, 2025
Undergraduate (Early Decision)	November 1, 2025
Undergraduate (Regular Decision, portfolio or audition required)	December 1, 2025
Undergraduate (Regular Decision, no portfolio or audition)	January 10, 2026
Undergraduate (Transfer, no portfolio or audition required)	February 15, 2026
Undergraduate (Transfer, portfolio or audition required)	December 1, 2025
Graduate Programs (Master's & Graduate Certificate)	Varies by program
Ph.D. Programs (Priority Deadline)	December 1, 2025

Now, let's explore the variety of University of Southern California courses and programs.

With 81 undergraduate and postgraduate programs available, you'll find top courses in areas like Strategic Management, Marketing Analytics, and Biomedical Sciences. USC is home to over 2,444 Indian students and ranks 45th in the QS Sustainability Ranking. 

Below is a detailed breakdown of some of the top programs at the University of Southern California.

Program	Level	Top Courses
Graduate Programs	Master's	Strategic Management Environment Science Marketing Analytics Policy Analysis Public Economics Logistics Management Marketing Supply Chain Management
Undergraduate Majors	Bachelor's	Financial Accounting Managerial Economics Law Urban Policy Environmental Policy Real Estate Investment Property Development
Professional Degrees	Doctoral	Education Business Administration Biomedical Sciences
Certificate Programs	Postgraduate	Business Analytics Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice Advanced Pharmacy Practice

Now, you will need a detailed overview of the course fees to study at the University of Southern California to plan your expenses.

The cost of studying at the University of Southern California (USC) varies depending on the program. For undergraduate programs, tuition is approximately $73,260 (INR 62.5L) annually. 

Graduate programs range from $47,080 to $56,960 (INR 40L–48.5L), with specific fees varying by department, such as Engineering or Business. Doctoral programs typically cost around $47,080 (INR 40L) annually.

Let's break down these costs further for each program.

Program	Annual Tuition Fees (USD)	Annual Tuition Fees (INR)
Undergraduate Programs	$73,260	INR 62.5L
Graduate Programs	Approximately $47,080–$56,960	INR 40 L-48.5 L
Doctoral Programs	Approximately $47,080	INR 40L

Note: Tuition fees are listed in USD and converted to INR as per the current exchange rate. Rates may vary.

Apart from tuition fees, other expenses such as transportation, study materials, and various other costs also contribute to the total cost of living in the USA.

On average, you can expect your yearly living expenses to range between $31,484 (approximately INR 25L–27L). 

Key costs include housing and food ($20,000/ INR 17L), health insurance ($3,500/ INR 3L), and utilities and internet ($4,920/ INR 4.2L). Students can also apply for part-time jobs in the US to cover their costs while studying at the University of Southern California.

Below is a detailed breakdown of these costs to help you budget effectively during your stay in the United States.

Category	Estimated Yearly Cost (USD)	Estimated Yearly Cost (INR)
Food & Housing	$20,000	INR 17L
Books & Supplies	$650	INR 55K
Transportation	$414	INR 35K
Health Insurance	$3500	INR 3L
Utilities & Internet	$4920	INR 4.2L
Miscellaneous (Socializing, entertainment, etc.)	$2000	INR 17K
Total Yearly Expense	$ 31,484	INR 25L - 27L

Note: These numbers are approximate and may fluctuate depending on on and off-campus living..

While studying at the University of Southern California, you can apply for scholarships to study in the US for free.

At the University of Southern California, students can apply for both internal and external study abroad scholarships. Internal scholarships, such as those offered by the Viterbi School of Engineering, provide merit-based funding for full-time Master's students, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 (INR 43K-1.7L).

On the other hand, external scholarships, such as the Rotary Foundation Scholarship, are offered by private organizations and can cover tuition and living expenses.

Let's explore both options and examine how they differ in terms of eligibility and benefits.

Internal Scholarships

At USC, several internal scholarships are available to international students based on academic merit, leadership, and professional achievements. Scholarships like the USC Merit Scholarships are awarded to students based on their overall excellence. 

Additionally, opportunities such as Graduate Research Assistantships and Graduate Teaching Assistantships offer both financial support and valuable experience.

Let's explore these internal funding options in more detail.

Name	Type	Details
USC Merit Scholarships	Merit-based	Eligibility: All international applicants. Benefits: Awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, service, and talent.
Viterbi School of Engineering Scholarships	Merit-based	Eligibility: International students pursuing a Master's degree full-time. Benefits: $5,000–$20,000 (INR 43K-1.7L) depending on merit.
USC Price School of Public Policy Scholarships	Merit-based	Eligibility: International students admitted into the fall semester Benefits: 25% to full tuition.

If you have missed the deadline or are not eligible for any of these, you can always opt for the external scholarships.

External Scholarships

If you're an international student looking to study at USC, several external scholarships can help fund your education. Scholarships like the Fulbright Scholarship provide full funding for tuition, travel, and living expenses, while the Inlaks Scholarship offers up to $100,000 (INR 85.5L) to cover tuition and associated costs. 

Additionally, international students on F-1 or J-1 visas can work on campus in limited positions that typically pay between $15 and $17 (INR 1.2K- 1.4K) per hour.

Below, you will find some key external scholarships you can explore.

Scholarship	Type	Details
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships	Government-Funded	Eligibility: Indian citizens with 3+ years of professional experience Benefits: Covers tuition, travel, and living expenses
Inlaks Scholarship	Private Organization	Eligibility: Indian citizens with a bachelor's degree Benefits: Up to $100,000 (INR 85.5L) for tuition & expenses
Engineering Education Foundation of America (EEFA)	Charitable Organization	Eligibility: Bachelor's or master's degrees in engineering at ABET-accredited institutions. Benefits: Varies; $55,000 (INR 47L) total distributed annually.
AAUW International Fellowships	Private Organization	Eligibility: Women pursuing graduate/postdoc studies in the USA Benefits: $20,000 (INR 17L) for master's, $25,000 (INR 21L) for Ph.D.
Rotary Foundation Scholarship	Private Organization	Eligibility: Endorsed by a Rotary Club, leadership potential Benefits: $15,000–$25,000 (INR 13-21L) for tuition & living
ASEM Graduate Scholarship	Merit-based	Eligibility: Must be ASEM members, enrolled full-time, with at least 1 year until graduation, and a GPA of 3.5+. Benefits: $500 (INR 43K)
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme	Private Organization	Eligibility: Indian citizens pursuing postgraduate studies Benefits: 50% grant & 50% loan for tuition & living

Note: Apart from these, you can also look for Indian government scholarships to study at the University of Southern California.

Now, let's check out the placement outcomes after studying at the University of Southern California.

The University of Southern California (USC) is ranked 5th as the Best Value School in 2025. The placement rates are high across various programs. Most graduates secure employment within six months, with notable success in fields such as communication, Engineering, and Public Policy. 

The university's Career Center plays a crucial role in connecting students with employers, hosting events such as the On-Campus Student Job Fair each semester, where job openings are posted early to ensure timely opportunities.

Below, you'll find detailed placement rates for specific programs and employment rate at USC.

• Most undergraduate students are employed within six months of graduation.
• The Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism reports a 98% employment rate for BA graduates and 99% for MA graduates within one year.
• At the Viterbi School of Engineering, 71% of graduates secure employment immediately after graduation, with an average salary of $105,621 (approximately INR 90 lakhs).
• The Price School of Public Policy (MPP) has a 98% employment rate, with graduates working across nonprofit (86%), public (29%), and private (27%) sectors.
• The MUP program at the Price School shows a 99% employment rate, with graduates employed in the private (51%), public (32%), and nonprofit (9%) sectors.

Now, let's discuss the top recruiters who typically hire from the University of Southern California.

Top Recruiters at the University of Southern California

At the University of Southern California (USC), top recruiters across various industries actively seek out graduates to fill a wide range of roles. 

USC provides strong connections to top employers, offering opportunities with prestigious companies like Bank of America, where salaries average $70,000–$80,000 (INR 60–70L), and Tesla, with salaries ranging from $85,000–$120,000 (INR 72L–1 Cr).

Let's explore the details of these recruiters and the roles they typically target for USC graduates.

• Bank of America: A major player in finance, the bank seeks graduates from Finance, Accounting, and Business Administration programs for roles in banking, risk management, and financial services.
• Bain & Company: This top consulting firm hires students from Business Administration, Economics, and Management programs to work in strategy consulting and management roles.
• Bloomberg LP: Known for financial data services, Bloomberg looks for graduates in Data Science, Computer Science, Economics, and Mathematics to join their technology and analytics teams.
• Boeing: As a global aerospace leader, Boeing recruits students from Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering for roles in aviation, defense, and manufacturing.
• Google: Google hires top talent from Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, and Business Administration for roles in software development, data analysis, and business strategy.
• KPMG: KPMG seeks graduates from Accounting, Business Administration, and Finance programs for roles in auditing, advisory, and tax services.
• Microsoft: Microsoft recruits graduates from Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, and Business Administration to work in software development, cloud computing, and business solutions.
• PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers): PwC focuses on Accounting, Business Administration, and Finance graduates for roles in auditing, consulting, and financial services across industries.
• Tesla: Tesla looks for graduates in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science for roles in innovation, sustainable technology, and automotive engineering.
• Wells Fargo: A key player in banking, Wells Fargo recruits from Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, and Economics for roles in investment banking, asset management, and financial services.

Now, explore the student life at the University of Southern California, where the campus is filled with lively events at every turn!

At the University of Southern California, student life offers a lively mix of extracurricular activities and organizations to suit any interest. With over 1,000 student groups, 120+ volunteer events, and 3,000+ student events throughout the year, there's no shortage of ways to get involved. 

Let's explore the specifics of what USC has to offer.

Extracurricular Activities, Clubs, and Organizations

• Over 1,000 student organizations: A wide range of clubs covering tech, arts, culture, and service.
• Trojan Knights: A service and spirit group, founded in 1921, dedicated to USC traditions.
• Brand New Theatre: USC's oldest student theater group, focused on student-written plays.
• SC Esports: Gaming community with LAN parties, tournaments, and events.
• SC Outfitters: Outdoor adventures including trips to explore Southern California.

Sports Programs and Notable Teams

• USC Trojans Football: 11 national championships and a rich NFL talent pipeline.
• Track and Field: 31 NCAA titles in men's and women's outdoor events.
• Water Polo: 16 NCAA championships in men's and women's teams.
• USC Trojans Rugby: Founded in 1886, competing in PAC Rugby and the Gold Coast Conferences.
• Club Sports: Over 50 club sports, from badminton to ice hockey, with intercollegiate competition.

So, the University of Southern California offers almost everything to make the most of your university experience.

The University of Southern California's alumni have made remarkable contributions worldwide across multiple industries. Let's explore them below.

USC has approximately 485,000 alumni, including 15 billionaires with a collective net worth of $58.5 billion. Its alumni have also won 326 Olympic medals, more than any other U.S. university. 

From Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the Moon, to iconic figures like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, USC's alumni have made groundbreaking contributions across a wide range of fields.  Knowing what a good IELTS score could be your first step toward joining such an exceptional community.

Below, you'll find more details on some of the university's most notable alumni.

Alumni Name	Field of Work	Notable Contribution
Neil Armstrong	Aerospace Engineering	First person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission
George Lucas	Filmmaking	Creator of the Star Wars franchise and founder of Lucasfilm.
Shonda Rhimes	Television Production	Creator of hit TV series Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal.
Forest Whitaker	Acting	Academy Award-winning actor known for roles in The Last King of Scotland.
John Wayne	Acting	An iconic Hollywood actor known for his roles in Western films.
Will Ferrell	Comedy and Acting	Comedian and actor known for Anchorman, Step Brothers, and Saturday Night Live.
Steven Spielberg	Filmmaking	Academy Award-winning director known for iconic films like Schindler’s List, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Jurassic Park.
Ronald Reagan	Politics	40th President of the United States and former actor.
Judith Resnik	Engineering and Space Exploration	NASA astronaut who tragically died in the Challenger disaster in 1986.
Tyra Banks	Modeling and Television	Supermodel and television personality, known for America's Next Top Model and The Tyra Banks Show.

To make well-informed decisions, it is essential to compare the University of Southern California's performance against that of other institutions. 

USC ranks 54th globally, with a 10% acceptance rate and high tuition fees of $73,260(INR 63L), offering over 150+ majors. 

Arizona State University, with a lower global rank (196th), but a 90% acceptance rate, offers more affordable tuition $33,139 to $43,100 (INR 28.3-37L), and over 400 programs. 

University of California - Los Angeles (USC), ranked 17th globally, has a 9% acceptance rate, over 300 programs, and tuition ranging from $46,000 - $48,000 (INR 40-41L) per year. 

The table below provides a more detailed overview of each university's key features to help you make an informed decision.

Category	University of Southern California	Arizona State University	University of California - Los Angeles (USC)
QS World Ranking (2026)	146th	173rd	46th
Total Enrollment	47,000+ students	80,000+ students	48,000+ students
Acceptance Rate	10%	90%	9%
International Students	Approximately 24% of the student body	Approximately 11,000 international students	Approximately 6300+ international students
Student-Faculty Ratio	9:1	19:1	18:1
Number of Courses (UG & PG)	150+ undergraduate majors and minors	400+ undergraduate programs and 450+ graduate programs	300+ degree programs (UG & PG)
Annual Tuition Fees	$38,784 - $73,260(INR 33L - 63L)	$33,139 to $43,100 (INR 28.3-37L)	$46,000 - $48,000 (INR 40-41L)
Graduate Employment Rate	98%	98%	95%
Post-Graduation Salary	$70,000 - $80,000+ (INR 60-70L)	$75,000 - $85,000+ (INR 64-73L)	$70,000 - $80,000+ (INR 60-70L)
Post-Graduation Work Options	Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are available	Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are available	Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are available
Scholarships	USC Merit Scholarships Viterbi School of Engineering Graduate Scholarships USC Price School of Public Policy Scholarships	New American University (NAMU) Scholarship Global Education Office (GEO) Scholarships Fulton Schools of Engineering Scholarships	Laurel Hummel Scholarships for International Students Travel Study Scholarships USC Extension Scholarships

USC offers a solid academic foundation with a variety of programs across disciplines, making it an attractive choice for students. With competitive tuition and strong job prospects post-graduation, it's a good option for those aiming for excellence in their field.

For undergraduate programs like BA and B.Tech, tuition is approximately $71,647 (INR 61L) per year. 

Graduate programs, including MS and MSc, range from $35,357 to $45,774 (INR 30L–40L), while MBA programs have higher fees at $122,922 (INR 1.04 Cr). 

The University of Southern California offers competitive tuition rates and a range of fully funded scholarships.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the estimated annual tuition fees for various programs at the University of Southern California.

Program	Estimated Annual Tuition Fees (USD)	Estimated Annual Tuition Fees (INR)
MS	$35,357 to $45,774	INR 30L - 40L
MBA	$122,922	INR 1.04 Cr
MA	$49,495 to $60,478	INR 42L - 51.6L
MSc	$35,357 to $45,774	INR 30L - 40L
BA	$71,647	INR 61L
B.Tech	$71,647	INR 61L

Note: The estimated tuition fees are provided in USD and have been converted to INR based on the current exchange rate, which is subject to change.

Following a basic overview of the programs and courses, let's look at the general cost of studying at the University of Southern California.