With a long history dating back to 1880, the University of Southern California is one of the leading private research universities in California. When USC first opened its doors to 53 students and 10 teachers, Los Angeles still lacked paved streets, electric lights, telephones, and a reliable fire alarm system. The city has since become one of the world’s major metropolitan areas and an attractive destination for people from many countries. USC has grown into a top university with about 46,000 students studying in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional programs. International students make up 26.1% of USC’s student population.
If you are looking to study at USC, it may be helpful to know the chances of getting an offer of admission from the university. Admission statistics indicate how selective a university is and can help you decide which colleges to apply to, as well as how much effort should go into the application process. Read on to learn about the acceptance rate of USC.
University of Southern California Acceptance Rate
For the 2025-2026 academic year, USC received 83,488 freshman applications and admitted 9,345 students, resulting in an admit rate of 11.2%. Of the admitted students, 3,759 matriculated. USC’s acceptance rate has fluctuated in recent years, but it remains lower than it was in fall 2020, when 59,712 first-year students applied and 9,618 were admitted.
In fall 2025, international students made up 21% of USC’s entering first-year class. Across the university, international students made up 26.1% of the total student population.
Preparing for the University of Southern California
Knowing the acceptance rates of your dream schools can help you get a rough picture of your chances of getting into different universities. It will also help you decide which colleges to apply to. However, statistics are only a helpful guide and not a reliable way to assess whether you will get into a program. Looking at the admission requirements, costs of study, and scholarships can help you get a clearer picture.
Admission Requirements
Knowing admission requirements well in advance is probably the most crucial aspect of your application process. It will help you ensure that you can meet the prerequisites and submit a strong application. First-year applicants to the University of Southern California should submit the Common Application, official transcripts, one letter of recommendation from a school counselor or teacher, fall grades when available, and application affirmations. Students may submit official test scores, but USC is test-optional for first-year applicants for the 2026-2027 academic year. Some programs require additional materials, such as portfolios, résumés, writing samples, or auditions. International applicants must also submit a Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support and, if applicable, USC-approved English-proficiency exam scores.
Tuition Fees
Another important aspect is the cost of education. Even if you are accepted into your dream program, it can become a reality only if your finances are in order. Knowing the latest tuition fees and other costs helps determine which programs are financially feasible and whether you must look into loans and grants or explore scholarship opportunities. For 2026-2027, the estimated undergraduate tuition for full-time USC students taking 12 to 18 units each semester is 75,384 USD for two semesters. The estimated on-campus cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, is 103,162 USD before the one-time 450 USD new student fee.
Scholarships
Many universities offer funding to make university education more affordable through internal and external grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. USC offers merit scholarships and need-based financial aid through separate processes. International applicants who apply by the appropriate deadline are eligible for USC Merit Scholarships, but USC does not offer need-based financial aid to international applicants. Scholarship selection is highly competitive, so international students should not rely on merit awards alone to show their ability to pay.
While the university has a low acceptance rate, the University of Southern California is still a top choice and attracts diverse applicants worldwide. With a strong reputation for academic and research excellence, a high international student population, and an enviable location in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, it is no wonder many students choose this university for their education.
We hope that this article about the University of Southern California’s acceptance rate was informative. If you are interested, check out the Available Programs for International Students or visit our Guide to Studying in the USA for more details!
