Important Alerts
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Animation and Digital Arts Application Deadline For Fall Intake | Closing in 10 days |
University of Southern California admissions are offered in Fall and Spring semesters across a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The applications for University of Southern California admissions in undergraduate programs are now closed. Those who have already applied for admissions will receive their decisions by April 1, 2026 for Regular Decision application. Those seeking admission to the University of Southern California MBA can apply by October 1, 2025 (Round 1).
University of Southern California's acceptance rate is 9.8%, according to previous year's admissions. A total 82,027 applications were received for UG admissions and only 8,050 were admitted while 3,489 of them were enrolled. This means admissions are extremely competitive at the University of Southern California. To secure admissions you need at minimum 3.0 (85%) for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
The required documents for all international students applying to University of Southern California admissions are as follows:
- Academic transcripts of high school or degree
- Test scores
- English proficiency certificate
- Academic or professional letters of recommendation
- Statement or purpose
- Essays
- Portfolio
- Passport copy
- Health insurance
- Financial statement

Also Check: Documents Required for USA UG & PG Admissions in 2025
- University of Southern California Graduate Admission
1.1 Application Portal and Fee:
- University of Southern California Undergraduate Admission
- USC Admission Requirements for Top Programs
- University of South California Admission Deadlines
- University of Southern California Application Process
- University of Southern California Admission Decisions
- University of Southern California Enrollment Process
- FAQs
University of Southern California Graduate Admission
University of Southern California offers graduate admissions in more than 230 courses including degrees and certificates. The graduate courses are offered by 15 academic departments and schools in areas like engineering, business, linguistics, medical science, journalism and others. Check out the detailed application requirements for graduate admissions at USC:
Application Portal and Fee:
The applications for graduate programs are accepted through the official graduate portal. While other courses including those offered by business school have seperate application deadlines.
| Courses | Application Portal | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Most USC graduate programs | USC Graduate Application | $90 (₹7,810) |
| Marshall School of Business | Liaisoncas Portal | $155 9 (₹13,451) |
| USC International Academy | International Student Academy Portal | $175 (₹15,186) |
Application Requirements:
- 4 years Bachelor's degree 3.0 GPA (85%)
- English language proficiency
- TOEFL-iBT: 6.5 - 7.0
- IELTS: 90 - 100
- Test Scores (Valid up to 3-5 years)
- GMAT: 715+
- GRE: 310+
Documents Required:
- Personal Statement or Essays
- Academic or professional letter of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Passport copy
- Financial Evidence
Also Check: MS Admissions in USA
University of Southern California UG Admission
University of Southern California offers undergraduate admissions in more than 150 majors across 23 schools. The most popular majors at USC include business, computer science, psychology, communication, biology, international relations and economics. The requirements and further application details are given below:
Application Portal: Common Application
Application Fee: $85 (₹7,380)
Application Requirements:
- High or Class 12th qualification with 3.0 GPA (85%)
- Certified translation of all documents (if not in English)
- English proficiency requirements
- TOEFL: 100
- IELTS: 7.0
- External exam results/predicted results
- Statement of Purpose
- Essays
- Letter of Recommendations
USC Admission Requirements for Top Programs
Following are the popular programs at USC which majority of Indian students applied into:
| Programs | GMAT/GRE Scores | ELP Scores |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration | GMAT: 732 (average) | GRE: 321 (average) | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0 |
| MS in Business Analytics | GMAT Score of 712 | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0 |
| M.S Applied Data Science | Not Required | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0 |
| M.S Computer Engineering | GRE Score of 315 or better | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| MS in Computer Science | GRE: 151+ [Verbal] | 155+ [Quant] (not required for 2025 admissions) | TOEFL: 90 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| M.S Cyber Security Engineering | Not Required | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0 |
| MS in Electrical Engineering | GRE: 151+ [Verbal] | 155+ [Quant] (not required for 2025 admissions) | TOEFL: 90 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| M.S Engineering Management | Not Required | TOEFL: 90 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| MS in Finance | GMAT score of 714 | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0 |
| MS in Mechanical Engineering | GRE: 151+ [Verbal] | 155+ [Quant] (not required for 2023 admissions) | TOEFL: 90 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| M.S Pharmaceutical Science | Not Required | TOEFL: 90 | IELTS: 6.5 |
University of South California Admission Deadlines
The application deadlines for Fall and Spring intakes at the University of Southern California for international students are outlined in the table below:
| Programs | Admission Deadline |
|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration | Round 1: Oct 1, 2025 Round 2: Jan 10, 2026 |
| MS in Business Analytics | Sep 1, 2025 (Spring) Dec 15, 2025 (Fall) |
| M.S Applied Data Science | Sep 1, 2025 (Spring) Dec 15, 2025 (Fall) |
| M.S Computer Engineering | Sep 1, 2025 (Spring) Dec 15, 2025 (Fall) |
| MS in Computer Science | Sep 1, 2025 (Spring) Dec 15, 2025 (Fall) |
| M.S Cyber Security Engineering | Sep 1, 2025 (Spring) Dec 15, 2025 (Fall) |
| MS in Electrical Engineering | Sep 1, 2025 (Spring) Dec 15, 2025 (Fall) |
| M.S Engineering Management | Sep 1, 2025 (Spring) Dec 15, 2025 (Fall) |
| MS in Finance | Sep 1, 2025 (Spring) Dec 15, 2025 (Fall) |
| MS in Mechanical Engineering | Sep 1, 2025 (Spring) Dec 15, 2025 (Fall) |
| M.S Pharmaceutical Science | Sep 1, 2025 (Spring) Dec 15, 2025 (Fall) |
Also Check: US University Application Deadlines
University of Southern California Application Process
After thoroughly reviewing all the minimum requirements and deadlines, you begin your application for University of Southern California by following these steps:
- Gather all the required materials for admissions as mentioned above
- Complete your application and pay the required application fee
- The application may take 45 - 60 minutes to complete
- Recommended browsers for USC Application- Chrome, Firefox and Safar
- Upload required documents and materials as per the program requirements
- Submit official transcripts
- Submit test scores
You will receive a confirmation email within 2-3 business days after application submission. This email will include your 10 digit USC ID. You can track your application status.
Also Read: Guide to the U.S. University Application Process for Indian Students
University of Southern California Admission Decisions
The decision generally varies depending on program, season and number of applications received. Decisions for undergraduate applications are typically issued in December to mid-January for Early Action and by April 1 for Regular Decisions.
PG applicants can expect their decision by June for Fall admissions, while by December for Spring admissions. Decision
Majority of applicants apply to the University of Southern California between November to May. Applications received in this season typically take 15 business days to process.
University of Southern California Enrollment Process
After being accepted for University of Southern California, you must submit the remaining documents and confirm your admission within the given timeframe. Below are steps to follow after acceptance to USC:
- Complete the decision letter and intent to enroll form
- Pay the non-refundable deposit for commitment
- Activate your USC NetId
- Sign up orientation
- Provide the documents for health requirements:
- Health insurance
- Pay the health fee
- Register for the course
- Obtain the USCard to gain valuable services at USC
- Get your transcripts/degree verified
- Review international requirements:
- Submit New F-1 Student Request form
- Obtain USC I-20 form
- Upload financial documents
- Apply for housing by May 1, 2025 (UG first year students)
- Pay the tuition fee
Also Check: Guide to Apply for F1 Visa
Admission into USC is based on a number of factors. The school considers academic performance, feedback from faculties for admission into some specific majors, the personal characteristics of the applicant is among the utmost consideration of the university as it seeks to admit a diverse group of students who have wide perspective and passions which would set up a competitive atmosphere inside and outside the classroom.
FAQs
Ques. How hard is it to get into USC?
Ans. University of Southern California is one of the highly competitive universities with an acceptance rate of only 9.8%. Which means out of 82,027 applicants, only 8,050 are accepted for admission making it amongst the hardest universities to get into. The low acceptance rate also concludes that admission is not guaranteed even if one possesses a high GPA or test scores.
Ques. Can I get into USC without SAT?
Ans. Yes, a candidate can be considered for admission without submission of SAT scores based on what they present including overall academic performance, involvement in extracurricular activities, and other skills that demonstrate their eligibility.
Ques. What are the top 3 majors at USC?
Ans. The top majors that the majority of the students prefer at USC include Management, Business, and Marketing. Apart from this, students may also choose from majors like Communication, Social Science, Journalism, Computer & information system,s and Engineering.
Ques. Does USC give full-merit scholarships?
Ans. USC does offer merit-based scholarships for all students on the basis of academic performance, leadership skills, and other skills.
College Student Profiles
University of Southern California Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MS Computer Science 2 years | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Dec 2025) | USD 42,640 /Yr | 90 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL(90), IELTS(6.5) | |
MS Applied Data Science 2 years | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Dec 2025) | USD 42,640 /Yr | 90 | TOEFL: 90, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 61 | |
MS Finance 2 years | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Dec 2025) | USD 45,738 /Yr | 155 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL(100), IELTS(7.0) | |
MS Electrical Engineering 2 years | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Dec 2025) | USD 37,310 /Yr | 90 | GPA - 3.0, TOEFL- 90, IELTS- 6.5, PTE- 61 | |
Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) | USD 37,310 /Yr | 90 | TOEFL: 90, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 61 | ||
MBA 2 years | Round 1 Application Decision Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Dec 2025) Round 2 Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (10th Jan 2026) Round 2 Application Decision Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (18th Apr 2026) | USD 80,042 /Yr | 155 | TOEFL(100), IELTS(7.0) | |
MS Business Analytics 2 years | Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Dec 2025) | USD 41,927 /Yr | 155 | GPA 3.0, TOEFL(100), IELTS(7.0) | |
MArch 2 years | Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (5th Jan 2026) Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st May 2026) | USD 47,080 /Yr | 90 | Bachelor's degree, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90 | |
Application Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Nov 2025) | USD 56,757 /Yr | 90 | Bachelor's degree, IELTS: 7, TOEFL: 100 | - | |
Application Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Dec 2025) | USD 42,640 /Yr | 90 | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90 |
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37 Reviews Found
Likes
- Only 2 courses per semester
- Many subjects and specializations to choose from
- Engaging campus events and food
Dislikes
- Some courses were not engaging enough
- Career Fairs were not fruitful
- Extremely limited Scholarships
Scholarship
- Roughly 30-40 students in a batch of 600 students secure TA and RA positions.
- Teaching assistants are paid $25 an hour and can work up to a maximum of 20 hours a week based on the professor's requirement. RA and DAs get paid slightly less depending on the nature of their work.
- Front desk workers, support staff in labs, some technical jobs like data analysts, etc. Minimum pay is $17 an hour and can go to $20 an hour; 20 hours are allowed per week max.
- It takes a lot of time to secure one. You need to have good contacts with seniors to get jobs. Almost everyone wants to get an on-campus job but the availability of positions doesn't match the demand. So you need to apply early and seek referrals.
- The range is $17 to $25 an hour based on the nature of the job. It is quite difficult to get an on-campus job. Most students get it only in the second semester. USC has an online portal for jobs. Students have to submit their resumes whenever a job opens up. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed and selected based on the interview. Some jobs are known by word of mouth and it is best to get referrals for such.












Likes
- Great array of courses: There are lots of interesting computer science as well as data science courses to choose from. The courses are extremely in depth with lots of projects to get your hands dirty with.
- Professors are extremely knowledgeable: Victor Adamchik, Mohammad Reza Rajati.
- Campus is beautiful, with a great mix of historic buildings as well as modern architecture. A regular trip to Trader Joe's, is an absolute must when taking a walk through the USC Village.
Dislikes
- The cohort size for certain classes is large making a one-on-one interaction with certain professors a little less common
- Being a CS student i couldn't explore more than 1 course outside my domain
- Limited on-campus jobs making it much more competitive
Likes
- Strong alumni network (Trojan Family)
- Good computer architecture program with in depth Courses and labs on CPU and GPUs and expert faculty in hardware design. Research centers like ISI, Labs as sportlab, scip-lab
- Lot of Campus events and activities, min 3 events per week
Dislikes
- The surrounding area faces issues with homelessness and crime.
- Tuition, housing, and living expenses in Los Angeles are high, Even USC is a expensive Private college
- No RA and TA for Graduate students in Viterbi, Only PhD students.
Scholarship
-
No i didn't receive any scholarship during the course.
USC Viterbi offers several competitive scholarships for graduate students, though availability is limited due to high demand. -
Challenges
Competitiveness: Merit-based scholarships are rare for on-campus graduate students due to USC’s focus on undergraduate financial aid (20% of undergraduates receive aid vs. <1% of International graduates). -
External Funding: Many students rely on external scholarships (Domestic)
International just on On campus jobs


Likes
- Alumni Connections
- The manner in which professors teach
- The structure of the assignments to learn efficiently
Dislikes
- The traveling one has to do till the campus to go there is usually a good amount
- The competition for each of the positions that are open is a lot
- Connecting with other people is a little bit difficult, it's not as easy as other colleges
Scholarship
- No scholarship is provided by USC to international students. USC never provides scholarships for international students; it's a written rule and they will not go against it no matter how good a candidate you are.
- If you are a person who is already a citizen, residing in the United states of America then you have a good chance to get a scholarship, where a scholarship can go till fully funding your tuition fees through the 2 years of masters too.




Likes
- Great opportunity for research
- Strong alumni base which is helpful while finding jobs
- Good campus
Dislikes
- Nothing as such because I was there during covid
Overview
I chose the University of Southern California (USC) for my MS in Computer Science due to its outstanding reputation and the comprehensive, cutting-edge curriculum it offers. USC is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, providing access to world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. The factors that drove me to accept the offer include the university's robust industry connections and the vibrant tech community in Los Angeles, which offers excellent internship and job opportunities. Additionally, USC's diverse and inclusive environment, along with its extensive alumni network, ensures a supportive and enriching experience. My overall experience at USC has been exceptional. The collaborative atmosphere, coupled with ample resources and extracurricular opportunities, has significantly enhanced my academic and personal growth. Choosing USC for my MS in Computer Science has proven to be a pivotal decision, aligning perfectly with my career aspirations and providing a solid foundation for my future endeavors.
Likes
- I liked the facilities at the university. They are very helpful and always appreciate us for everything.
- The environment of the university was also nice for Indian students.
Dislikes
- I didn't like the placement of the university.
- If you really need a job you have to search for it yourself.
- Every student can relate that placements promised to us during the admission time are not really fulfilled.
Overview
I liked the program of ms in computer science and I thought that it would be a better career option that I had decided to step into. Our university also helps in making connections which is a skill that I needed to develop. Overall my college experience was great. Faculty members are helpful and always ready to support us. I'm quite disappointed about the placement but overall a great learning experience.
Likes
- The community I was able to find in the film school, the friends I made, and the connections.
- I was fortunate enough to establish that will set me up for a strong career.
Dislikes
- The administration’s clear prioritization of profit— ignoring Greek life’s rampant sexual exploitation, arresting and detaining students for peacefully protesting against USC’s investment in Israel, etc
Overview
I enjoyed my time at USC. I felt it was academically enriching and that I learned a lot, as well as made many long term friends. The administration very often made it apparent that they cared more about money and profit than the well-being of their students, however. This is not new for USC, which has been involved with many, many scandals. Scholarship, a top film school in the world, location, extremely low acceptance rate, the greater university it was a part of, and its school spirit and prestige.
Scholarship
Yes, Presidential Scholarship: 50% tuition, about 60k a year
Overview
I love the unique program of Intelligence and Cyber Operations that USC offers and I thought that it would be a better career path that I had originally decided to step into. Instead of majoring in data science, I would just minor in it to apply it to a different field I was interested in -- cybersecurity. Another reason I took this offer is that USC is close to home and was a cheaper option than the other option I was deciding on. I loved that USC is a social school, built on making connections which is a skill that I needed to develop, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall my college experience at USC has been phenomenal and I definitely wouldn't change a thing. It truly is a great place and I want to make sure I can make use of it for the next three years. I know this is cliche but it is the people that make USC what USC truly is. I would love to continue meeting new people and enjoying my time at USC!
Scholarship
Received the Director's Scholarship which is $4,000/year. After the interview process, USC awarded me the scholarship.
Likes
- To be honest as I have mentioned the overall experience is something which makes things great. Good faculties with great ratio where students can have one on one interactions with students, taking courses from other school allows to understand more about different schools, their teaching styles.
Dislikes
- Fees could be a bit on a lower side, the amount of credits which I take from the other schools are restricted like for ex. I need to take 16 units from Viterbi then I can take rest of them from other.
Overview
For admission I required SOP, LOR’s, CV. I mostly focused on demonstrating my past experiences and how did it align with my future program aspirations. One of the top colleges for MEM, Engineering department ranked amongst one of the top in the nation, program structure and flexibility for ex. I can take courses from Business School. It’s great overall. Good campus life with reasonable chances of getting part time job, good infrastructure facilities for recreational activities and enough libraries to make sure we study right before the exams
Scholarship
Nope, its extremely limited.
Likes
- The environment, experience, coursework, people. The best things are the events that keep on happening in the campus to make sure students don't feel alone and have the feeling of fun by having free food, games etc.
Dislikes
- I think the university is in a not so good area. There are regular petty crimes but that's the in general state of the USA. Other things include lesser meal options for vegetarian but that's again the in general state of the USA
Overview
"I think the key in general is to ask the professors under whom you have worked to write a recommendation letter so that they can relate and write exactly what you did for LORs. For SOPs I think dictating your like and showcasing the skills required and core values of the universities to your profile makes a lot of difference. I had made it to the final round of Dartmouth just based on making my profile align with the uni values. CV: should be professional one with college and professional work properly filled. " "USC, the main reason was the tag of MEMPC for my program and it's reputation, and the second reason was the flexibility of the course to go through marshall school of business to pick and choose my course. Other factors included the location and weather as well. " I like the overall experience of the university. There's so much to learn, live and experience. It's thrill for sure can be stressful but at the same exciting to learn how to make your own path.
Scholarship
Nope I didn't get any scholarships. I think I had a superb gpa but that's the case with private universities




















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