Learn About University of Southern California

Overview of the University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the largest and most well-known private universities in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, California, USC has been operating since 1880, making it one of the oldest universities on the West Coast. The university sits in the heart of Los Angeles, giving students access to one of the world's largest metropolitan areas with opportunities in entertainment, business, technology, and numerous other fields.

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USC serves approximately 20,000 students across its campuses, with about 19,000 of those students attending the main University Park campus in Los Angeles. The university offers education through several schools and colleges, including the School of Dramatic Arts, the Viterbi School of Engineering, the Marshall School of Business, and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, among others. Each school has its own focus and specialization, allowing students to pursue many different career paths.

The university is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, film and television production, and communications. USC's location in Los Angeles makes it particularly strong in entertainment-related fields, as students have direct connections to major studios, production companies, and media organizations. The campus itself spans 226 acres and includes modern facilities, research centers, and historic buildings that blend traditional architecture with contemporary design.

Practical Takeaway: Understanding USC's size, location, and academic structure helps you determine whether it might align with your interests. The university's strength in specific fields means students seeking careers in entertainment, engineering, or business may find particularly strong resources and networks available to them.

Academic Programs and Schools

USC organizes its academic offerings through multiple schools and colleges, each specializing in different fields of study. The Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is the largest school and offers degrees in humanities, sciences, mathematics, and social sciences. This college provides foundational education in fields like psychology, English, history, biology, chemistry, and physics. Students in this college often pursue careers in academia, research, law, medicine, and other professional fields.

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The Viterbi School of Engineering is recognized as one of the top engineering programs in the country. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various engineering disciplines including aerospace, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, and mechanical engineering. The school has strong connections with technology companies and aerospace firms, particularly those in Southern California. Students in engineering programs typically have access to research opportunities and internships with leading companies.

The Marshall School of Business offers degrees in business administration and related fields. The school is known for its strong MBA program and undergraduate business degree. Students learn about accounting, finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. Marshall graduates often work in consulting, finance, corporate management, and startup environments.

The School of Dramatic Arts is one of the few university programs in the country dedicated specifically to drama and theater. It offers training in acting, directing, playwriting, and technical theater. The school's location in Los Angeles provides unique opportunities for students interested in film, television, and stage performance.

Other notable schools include the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, which focuses on media and communication studies, and the School of Architecture, which offers architecture and design programs. USC also has graduate programs through schools of medicine, dentistry, law, and social work.

Practical Takeaway: Researching which school or college aligns with your academic interests will help you understand what types of programs and resources USC offers. Each school has different faculty, facilities, and career networks, so identifying your field of interest is an important first step in evaluating whether USC is right for you.

Student Life and Campus Experience

Life at USC involves more than just attending classes. The university has a vibrant residential community with on-campus housing available for students, particularly first-year and second-year students. USC guarantees housing for first-year students, and many upperclassmen also live on campus. Living on campus provides opportunities to build friendships, participate in community activities, and engage with student organizations.

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USC has over 1,000 student organizations and clubs covering nearly every interest imaginable. These include academic clubs, cultural organizations, sports and recreation groups, service organizations, and hobby-based clubs. Students can participate in activities ranging from engineering competitions to film festivals, dance troupes to volunteer organizations. Greek life is also a significant part of campus, with numerous fraternities and sororities.

The university has Division I athletics through the Pac-12 Conference. USC is known particularly for its football program, which has a long tradition of success and national recognition. However, the university also competes in many other sports including basketball, volleyball, swimming, track and field, and tennis. Attending sporting events is a popular activity for the student body and creates a sense of school spirit and community.

Los Angeles itself is an extension of the campus experience. Students have access to museums, concerts, theaters, beaches, mountains, and countless restaurants and entertainment venues. The city's entertainment industry provides networking and internship opportunities for students in media, film, and communications fields.

The campus has recreational facilities including a recreation center with fitness equipment, swimming pools, tennis courts, and playing fields. These facilities are available for student use and support physical wellness and recreation.

Practical Takeaway: Understanding the campus culture and lifestyle is important when considering any university. USC's combination of a residential campus community with access to a major city provides varied experiences. Think about whether you prefer a tight-knit campus community, an urban setting with diverse activities, and the types of clubs and organizations that matter to you.

Admissions and Academic Requirements

Admission to USC is competitive. The university considers many factors when reviewing applications, including academic performance, standardized test scores, essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities. Understanding what USC looks for helps you learn about the typical student profile.

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For first-year students seeking admission, the middle 50 percent of admitted students typically have SAT scores ranging from around 1470 to 1560, or ACT scores from 33 to 35 (note that test submission is optional for some applicants). High school grade point averages for admitted students are typically very high, usually 3.8 or above on a 4.0 scale. These numbers represent the middle range; some admitted students fall below and some above these ranges.

Beyond grades and test scores, USC considers the strength of your high school curriculum. Taking Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, honors, and other rigorous courses demonstrates academic preparation. The university also looks at your essays to understand your background, goals, and character. Teacher recommendations provide insight into how you perform in academic settings and interact with others.

Extracurricular activities matter in the admissions process. USC seeks students who are involved in their communities and demonstrate leadership, creativity, or exceptional talent in various areas. This might include sports, arts, volunteer work, research, or other meaningful activities.

USC also considers factors such as socioeconomic background, first-generation status, geographic diversity, and other contextual information about your life circumstances. The university aims to build a diverse student body with varied perspectives and experiences.

Once admitted, first-year students typically complete general education requirements in addition to courses in their major. These requirements ensure that all students develop broad knowledge across multiple disciplines before focusing on their specific field of study.

Practical Takeaway: Learning about USC's admissions standards helps you understand the academic level of the institution and whether your current academic performance aligns with typical admitted students. This information can help guide your academic planning and help you determine what types of preparation and activities might strengthen your overall profile.

Cost of Attendance and Financial Information

USC is a private university, which means tuition and fees are substantial. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition and fees at USC were approximately $62,000 per year. When combined with room and board, books, supplies, and personal expenses, the total cost of attendance for one year was approximately $85,000 to $90,000. This represents a significant financial commitment.

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However, many students receive financial aid to help cover these costs. USC meets the full demonstrated financial need of admitted students, according to the university's financial aid policy. This means that for students the university admits, the financial aid package is designed to cover the difference between the cost of attendance and the student's family's expected contribution. However, families must go through a financial aid process to have their needs assessed.

Financial aid at USC comes from multiple sources. Federal aid includes grants (which do not require repayment) and loans (which must be repaid with interest