UNIVERSITY · CDS 2024-2025
University of Southern California (USC)
Los Angeles, CA 20,630 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
Top 30Film + Business
Accept
9.8%
Yield
43.3%
Test
Optional
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%, computed)
1450–1550
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
710–760
SAT Math (mid 50%)
740–790
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
32–35
GPA
Not reported
GPA NOTEAverage unweighted 3.80; 73% of enrolled in top 10% of HS class.
METHODTotal SAT range is computed by summing the reported EBRW and Math mid-50% ranges from the school’s CDS (Section C9). Use as an approximation — a student’s actual total places them within, not at, the summed endpoints.
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA | Nov 1 | — | EA: Nov 1, NR |
| RD | Jan 15 | — | RD: Jan 15, NR |
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$75,384
Total COA
$103,162
Avg need-based aid
$25,005
Avg merit award
$23,079
Net price after avg need aid
$78,157
USC meets 100% of demonstrated need on average.
Named merit programs
Trustee ScholarshipFull ride
Highly competitive
Full-tuition scholarship awarded to approximately 100 students each year.
Presidential Scholarship
Highly competitive
Half-tuition scholarship.
National Merit Finalist Scholarship
$20,000 – $20,000 / yr (renewable)
Competitive
Awarded to National Merit Finalists who list USC as their first-choice institution.
AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
USC's AP Policy
USC awards 4 semester units of elective credit for all AP examinations with a score of 4 or 5. A maximum of 32 elective units may be granted from exams and college courses taken before high school graduation. Select AP exams may satisfy General Education or foreign language requirements.
Min score
4
Credit cap
32 credits
Mode
Credit + placement
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankConsidered
- Academic GPAVery Important
- Standardized test scoresConsidered
- Application essayVery Important
- Recommendation(s)Very Important
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
The central mission of the University of Southern California is the development of human beings and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit. The principal means by which our mission is accomplished are teaching, research, artistic creation, professional practice and selected forms of public service.
Distilled Themes
development of human beings and societycultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spiritteaching, research, artistic creation, professional practice and public serviceintegration of liberal and professional learningglobal institution
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01USC is looking for students who are not just academically excellent, but also well-rounded individuals who will contribute to the 'Trojan Family' and the wider community.
- 02They value students who have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to service.
- 03Your application should tell a story about who you are and what you care about, not just what you've accomplished.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01Demonstrate a commitment to interdisciplinary learning and a global perspective.
- 02Highlight your unique talents and how you will contribute to USC's vibrant community.
- 03Show your passion for learning and your desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- A generic application that doesn't show a genuine interest in USC
- A lack of demonstrated leadership or community involvement
- An application that focuses solely on academic achievements without highlighting personal qualities and experiences
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
School of Cinematic ArtsMarshall School of BusinessViterbi School of EngineeringAnnenberg School for Communication and JournalismThornton School of Music
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Early Decision I
Binding
Applies to most majors.
Nov 1, 2025
Early Action
Non-binding
Applies to most majors.
Nov 1, 2025
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Regular Decision for most majors. December 1 for performing arts majors.
Jan 10, 2026
Early Decision II
Not offered
—
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2023-2024)
Not trackedWeight: Not Considered
USC does not track demonstrated interest; official policy states all applicants are evaluated identically regardless of contact.
Save the energy
Do not spend effort on interest signals — focus on essays and academics instead.
Provenance