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University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California · Private Non-Profit

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$74,461

Acceptance Rate

10%

Graduation Rate

92%

Annual Tuition

$68,237

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of University of Southern California earn a median of $92,498 ten years after entry — 71% above the national median. Acceptance rate 10.0%, average SAT score 1495, in-state tuition $68,237.

At a Glance

Total Students

20,817

Retention Rate

97%

Faculty Ratio

9

Financial Aid

25%

Median Debt

$18,000

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Private Non-Profit

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,495

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

710–760

SAT Math (middle 50%)

740–790

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

32–35

Institution Overview

The University of Southern California is a private, non-profit institution with a student body of 20,817. The university has a highly selective admissions process, accepting only 10% of applicants. It boasts a high graduation rate of 92.2% and a strong retention rate of 96.5%, indicating a positive student experience. The annual tuition cost for in-state students is $68,237.

Graduates of USC experience strong early career earnings. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $63,275, increasing to $74,461 after five years, and reaching $92,498 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $18,000, and 24.9% of students receive financial aid.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$63k

1 YEAR

$74k

5 YEARS

$92k

10 YEARS

Top 6% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, University of Southern California alumni earn a median salary of $63,275. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $74,461, and after ten years, the median salary is $92,498. The median debt for students is $18,000. Approximately 24.9% of students receive financial aid.

The University of Southern California has a high retention rate of 96.5% and a graduation rate of 92.2%. The university has a low acceptance rate of 10% and a student population of 20,817. The in-state tuition is $68,237.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Graduates 1,719 / yr
Median Salary $132,668

Social Work

Graduates 1,352 / yr
Median Salary $95,093

Legal Professions and Studies, Other

Graduates 669 / yr
Median Salary $105,860

Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies

Graduates 667 / yr
Median Salary $79,445

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

Graduates 649 / yr
Median Salary $126,936

Communication and Media Studies

Graduates 622 / yr
Median Salary $68,587

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

Graduates 595 / yr
Median Salary $147,832

Film/Video and Photographic Arts

Graduates 406 / yr
Median Salary $34,187

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions

Graduates 355 / yr
Median Salary $79,163

Public Health

Graduates 353 / yr
Median Salary $58,611

Educational Administration and Supervision

Graduates 346 / yr
Median Salary $127,213

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Graduates 304 / yr
Median Salary $57,494

Economics

Graduates 267 / yr
Median Salary $57,060

Accounting and Related Services

Graduates 261 / yr
Median Salary $73,903

Health and Medical Administrative Services

Graduates 229 / yr
Median Salary $96,331

Applied Mathematics

Graduates 229 / yr
Median Salary $84,685

Human Resources Management and Services

Graduates 216 / yr
Median Salary $94,625

Engineering, Other

Graduates 213 / yr
Median Salary $101,781

Music

Graduates 212 / yr
Median Salary $29,274

Mechanical Engineering

Graduates 205 / yr
Median Salary $106,735

International Relations and National Security Studies

Graduates 202 / yr
Median Salary $52,262

Human Biology

Graduates 194 / yr
Median Salary $23,405

Law

Graduates 189 / yr
Median Salary $183,063

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

Graduates 186 / yr
Median Salary $21,764

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Campus Location

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, CA 90089

University of Southern California is located in Los Angeles, California. The campus is in a city setting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

University of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 10.0%.