At schools with acceptance rates below 10%, nearly every applicant has near-perfect grades and test scores. Admissions decisions are driven by essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and institutional priorities — factors no stats-based model can predict. Our likelihood labels reflect academic competitiveness only.
The University of Southern California is a leading private research university in Los Angeles, home to the top-ranked School of Cinematic Arts and one of the most powerful alumni networks in the world. Its location in the entertainment capital provides unmatched access to the film, television, music, and gaming industries.
Mascot: Trojan
Notable Alumni
Neil Armstrong (first person on the Moon)•George Lucas (creator of Star Wars)•Will Ferrell (comedian and actor)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
The Row — the iconic street of fraternity and sorority houses — is the beating heart of USC's social scene, with roughly 25% of undergrads going Greek and football tailgates approaching religious fervor. The 'Trojan Family' network is real and extends well beyond graduation. Admission rate around 10% reflects how much more selective it has become — Annenberg, Viterbi, and the film school are legitimately demanding beneath the sunshine and social calendar.
A 226-acre campus featuring Romanesque Revival brick buildings, palm-lined walkways, and manicured gardens anchored by the iconic Bovard Administration Building and Tommy Trojan statue. The Mediterranean-influenced architecture coheres beautifully under perpetual Southern California sun.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Major security upgrades including campus gates installed in 2024 led to a 42% drop in on-campus crime. DPS provides extensive 24/7 patrols. Theft of bikes and scooters remains the most common offense.
The University Park neighborhood has higher-than-average crime for Los Angeles, with property crime and homelessness in surrounding blocks, though DPS patrols extend well beyond campus borders.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Weekdays and select Saturdays during the academic year
Duration: ~90 minutes (info session + student-led campus walking tour)
Free but registration required. Parking permits ($20) must be purchased and active during your visit. Specialized tours available for prospective freshmen, transfers, and admitted students.
Book a TourSelf-guided tour reservations available through the admissions portal. Explore the University Park campus at your own pace with a downloadable map and guide.
Tour ResourcesOctober through November for pleasant LA weather and football game-day energy (USC tailgates are legendary), or February through April when campus is green and lively. Avoid late December through mid-January (winter break) and late June through August when campus is less active. Football Saturdays give the best sense of school spirit.
Visitor parking requires a $20 permit via Text2Park or Pay-By-Plate kiosks on campus. Expo Park/USC Metro Station (Expo Line) is steps from campus — $2 one-way, 10 min from 7th St/Metro Center downtown. From LAX: Expo Line via shuttle (~45 min total) or rideshare (~30-40 min, ~$40). Meter parking on side streets is limited.
Location
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