University Overview of USC

The University of Southern California (USC) isn’t just one of the most competitive private schools in California—it’s also one of the most dynamic. Let’s break down everything you need to know if you’re applying in 2025, from admission and financial aid to choosing a major and understanding campus life.

What Is the Admission Process for USC in 2025?

“I applied as a mathematics major and got in… I did!!… I think it’s because I have really good essays and am FGLI. Also I’m out of state”

– Reddit

USC accepts both the Common App and the Apply Coalition with Scoir, but only the Common App is recommended for most students. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. USC requires students to submit the Common App, including the USC Writing Supplement. You’ll need to answer two short essays, which often focus on your interests, identity, and fit with the university. The prompts for 2025 remain similar to past years.
2. USC remains test-optional for 2025 admission. You can submit SAT or ACT scores if you believe they strengthen your application, but they’re not required.
3. Your school counselor should submit your official transcript through the Common App portal. Mid-year transcripts are also required once your first semester of senior year is complete.
4. USC requires at least one letter from a core academic teacher (preferably junior or senior year). You may submit additional letters, but they should add new insight—not repeat what’s already in your app.
5. Upload a resume (optional but encouraged).
6. To be considered for need-based aid, submit the CSS Profile and FAFSA by the February 15, 2025 deadline. For merit-based scholarships, you must apply by December 1, 2024.
7. If you’re applying to the School of Cinematic Arts, Thornton School of Music, or Roski School of Art and Design, expect to submit a portfolio or complete an audition. These materials often carry significant weight.
8. USC does not offer open interviews, but some scholarship programs may reach out to selected students.

USC is known for its holistic review. Strong academics matter, but so do your story and how you’d contribute to campus life.

What Are the Requirements for USC Admission?

Here’s what you’ll need to apply as a first-year student in 2025:

The school also wants to see rigor in your high school courses: AP, IB, honors, or dual enrollment. A competitive USC applicant usually has:

• A 3.8-4.0 unweighted GPA (most have 9-12 APs)
• Strong leadership or creative work (clubs, jobs, independent projects)
• A clear story about why USC

Don’t underestimate the personal statement and USC-specific essays. This is where many students either stand out—or blend in.

What Is the USC Acceptance Rate?

For the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, the USC reported an acceptance rate of just 9.3%, making it one of the most selective private universities in the United States. Out of more than 80,000 applicants, fewer than 7,500 were admitted.

And that number keeps shrinking. A decade ago, USC’s acceptance rate was hovering around 17-18%. Today, it’s on par with Ivy League schools like Cornell or Brown, and more selective than NYU or Boston University.

What Majors Are Offered at the University of Southern California?

USC offers more than 150 undergraduate majors across a wide range of disciplines—from cinematic arts and computer science to business and global health. The university is structured around several professional schools, each offering its own specialized majors and interdisciplinary pathways. Some of the most popular majors include:

USC is also known for combined majors and emphasis programs, like:

• Computer Science and Business Administration
• Philosophy, Politics, and Law (PPL)
• Global Health
• Animation and Digital Arts
• Narrative Studies
• Health and Human Sciences

What Are the Popular Liberal Arts Majors at USC?

Some of the most popular liberal arts majors at USC include:

How Do I Choose a Major in Arts and Sciences at USC?

USC doesn’t ask you to declare a major immediately. Most students start as undeclared within Dornsife, and that’s not just allowed—it’s encouraged. You’ll have time to take GE (General Education) courses, join research labs, sit in on guest lectures, and even shadow upperclassmen through mentorship programs. Here’s a breakdown of how students typically choose:

What Resources are Available for USC Students Pursuing a Major?

Once you declare, you’re supported by:

• Dedicated departmental advisors
• Research funding opportunities
• Internship and job placement via the USC Career Center
• Alumni mentorship programs
• Industry connections with major firms in LA and globally

What Is Campus Life Like at USC?

“It’s very much a work hard play hard mentality. Students will study / do work until 8 pm on Friday, go out and party until 2 am, then repeat the next day. All about balance”

– Reddit

USC campus life feels like LA—fast, creative, and full of energy. One minute you’ll see a film shoot on Trousdale Parkway, the next a protest or farmers market. It’s busy in the best way.

Most freshmen live on campus in places like New/North, Parkside, or Birnkrant. From there, students jump into clubs, events, and traditions—like the Weekender football trip or the 24-hour Dance Marathon.

Greek life is active but not overwhelming—about 25% join. Many others take part in student gov, cultural clubs, service groups, or the arts.

Career networking is a big part of USC. There are tons of recruiting events, and students often intern in LA during the year—in media, tech, or business. People here are social, but always working on something too.

There’s also space to slow down—like Alumni Park or the sculpture garden. Students hang out in hammocks, walk dogs, or relax between classes.

USC’s LA location adds to the experience. Museums, concerts, internships, and food trucks are just minutes away. Weekends might include surfing in Santa Monica or catching a Netflix table read.

At Legacy Online School, we recommend USC to students who want a top school with strong academics, real-world access, and a lively, ambitious campus culture.

What Is the Tuition and Financial Aid Situation at USC?

Paying for USC feels overwhelming at first glance—but it’s not the full story. While the sticker price is steep, the university’s financial aid program is surprisingly generous, especially for middle-income families.

The estimated tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is $69,904. That’s before adding housing, dining, books, and other costs. The total cost of attendance easily crosses $90,000 per year.

But more than 60% of USC undergrads receive some form of financial aid. About 21% of students pay no tuition at all, thanks to grants and scholarships.

USC offers need-based aid that covers 100% of demonstrated financial need for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The admissions process is also need-blind, which means applying for aid won’t hurt your chances.

USC also offers a range of merit scholarships for academic and artistic achievement. The most prestigious is the Trustee Scholarship, which covers full tuition. The Presidential Scholarship offers half tuition and goes to top applicants across all majors.

If you’re aiming for those awards, it’s crucial to apply by USC’s merit scholarship deadline—typically December 1. After that, you’re not considered for any of the major merit-based programs.

Here’s a breakdown of the types of aid available:

• USC University Grants (need-based, do not require repayment)
• Federal and State Grants (for eligible U.S. students)
• Federal Work-Study (on-campus jobs to help with expenses)
• Merit-Based Scholarships (Trustee, Presidential, Deans, etc.)
• Outside Scholarships (USC allows full stacking without penalty)

International students are also eligible for merit scholarships and some limited need-based aid. It’s competitive, but not impossible. Many students cover costs through a mix of scholarships, family support, and private loans.

Applying for financial aid at USC means submitting the FAFSA (for U.S. citizens) or CSS Profile (for everyone else), plus tax documents and any additional paperwork. Legacy Online School supports families with each step—from completing the forms to negotiating the award.

What Types of Financial Aid are Available at USC?

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of financial aid USC students receive:

The biggest merit-based awards include:

• Trustee Scholarship–Covers full tuition (awarded to top 1%)
• Presidential Scholarship–Covers half tuition (around top 10%)
• Deans and Leadership Scholarships–Varying amounts, highly competitive

How Can Students Maximize Financial Aid Opportunities at USC?

USC is pricey—but with good planning, you can cut the cost by a lot. Timing is key:

• Apply early. December 1 is the deadline for USC’s biggest merit scholarships, like the Trustee and Presidential. Miss it, and you’re out
• File both the FAFSA and CSS Profile
• Double-check income and asset info. Mistakes can delay your aid and hurt your chances
• Apply for outside scholarships
• Good grades, strong test scores, and unique activities can earn you aid. But USC also values context—your story matters
• Use USC’s Net Price Calculator to get an early estimate of your cost

Who Are Notable Alumni of the University of Southern California?

USC is more than great academics and sunny weather—it’s one of the most connected schools in the world. Thanks to its LA location and top programs in film, business, and engineering, USC grads show up everywhere:

• George Lucas (Star Wars), Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy), and Issa Rae (Insecure) all started at USC
• Marc Benioff (Salesforce) and Chris DeWolfe (MySpace)
• USC legends include Cheryl Miller, Reggie Bush, and Lisa Leslie
• James Mattis, Norman Mineta, and Neil Armstrong (who earned his Master’s at USC) are all part of the Trojan legacy

And now, USC is making waves in the creator economy too—with alumni like Jack Conte (Patreon) and Brent Rivera building digital empires.

Maya Robinson, AP Program Advisor at Legacy Online School

Sources: University of Southern California, Reddit