University of Southern California: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.