---
title: University of Southern California — PickACampus
description: Explore University of Southern California admissions data, including its 10% acceptance rate, $74,461 median salary, and #28 PickACampus ranking.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/27
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is a private institution located in an urban setting in Los Angeles, California, with a total enrollment of 20,443. The university maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio and reports a 92% graduation rate with a median starting salary for graduates of $74,461. Admission is highly competitive, featuring a 10% acceptance rate and average standardized test scores of 1495 on the SAT and 34 on the ACT.

## Overview
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Type: Private
- Setting: urban
- Total enrollment: 20,443

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 10%
- Average SAT: 1,495
- Average ACT: 34
- Average GPA: 3.79

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $72,097
- Out-of-state tuition: $72,097
- Room and board: $19,931
- Average financial aid: $42,000
- Average student debt at graduation: $18,000

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 92%
- 4-year graduation rate: 74%
- Freshman retention: 96%
- Employment rate: 92%
- Average starting salary: $74,461

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 9:1
- Average class size: 26
- Classes under 20 students: 55%

## Notable
["USC is the oldest private research university in California.","The university has more Olympic medalists than any other university in the world.","USC's School of Cinematic Arts is one of the oldest and most prestigious film schools globally.","The campus has been featured in numerous films and television shows."]

## Traditions
[{"name":"Tommy Trojan Statue Rub","description":"Students rub the statue's foot for good luck before exams."},{"name":"Conquest","description":"An annual pre-game pep rally before the USC vs. UCLA football game."},{"name":"Trojan Family","description":"A strong, lifelong network and sense of community among alumni."},{"name":"Victory Bell","description":"The winner of the USC vs. UCLA football game keeps the bell for a year."}]

## Notable alumni
[{"name":"George Lucas","description":"Creator of Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises."},{"name":"Will Ferrell","description":"Emmy-winning actor and comedian."},{"name":"Neil Armstrong","description":"First person to walk on the Moon."},{"name":"Shonda Rhimes","description":"Award-winning television producer and writer."},{"name":"John Wayne","description":"Iconic Academy Award-winning actor."}]

## Common questions

Q: What is University of Southern California's acceptance rate?
A: University of Southern California's acceptance rate is 10%.

Q: How much does University of Southern California cost?
A: Tuition at University of Southern California is $72,097 per year, before room and board and fees.

Q: Where is University of Southern California located?
A: University of Southern California is located in Los Angeles, CA.

Q: What SAT score do you need for University of Southern California?
A: The average SAT score at University of Southern California is 1,495.

Q: What is the graduation rate at University of Southern California?
A: University of Southern California has a 6-year graduation rate of 92%.

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