[UPDATED 2025] University of Southern California (USC) Acceptance Rate & Admission Guide
Acceptance Rate Trend
| Year | Acceptance Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 17.5% |
| 2016 | 17.7% |
| 2017 | 16.6% |
| 2018 | 16.0% |
| 2019 | 13.0% |
| 2020 | 11.4% |
| 2021 | 16.1% |
| 2022 | 12.5% |
| 2023 | 10.0% |
| 2024 | 9.8% |
| 2025 | 10.4% |
University of Southern California Acceptance Rate (Latest)
For the Class of 2028 (Fall 2024 entry), USC received a record number of applications and admitted its most selective cohort to date.
11%
Overall Acceptance Rate (~)
82,000
Total Applicants (~)
41.5%
Yield Rate (# of enrolled students / # of admitted students × 100)
3,740
Number of Students Enrolled (~)
Academic Profile of Admitted Students
3.82–4.00
GPA Range (Middle 50% - unweighted)
1410–1540
SAT Range (Middle 50%)
32–35
ACT Range (Middle 50%)
21%
First-generation college students
ℹ️ USC remains test-optional through at least the 2025–2026 admissions cycle.
Early Action vs Regular Decision
USC offers Early Action (EA), a non-binding early application option. The university does not publish separate acceptance rates for EA vs Regular Decision, but EA is highly competitive.
| Application Type | Acceptance Rate | Avg GPA | Avg SAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action | Not published | 3.9–4.0 | 1450–1540 (est.) |
| Regular Decision | Not published | 3.8–4.0 | 1410–1530 (est.) |
Tip: Early Action at USC is non-binding and does not confer a significant statistical advantage.
Acceptance Rate by Residency Status
USC does not publish separate acceptance rates for California, out-of-state, or international applicants. International students make up about 13.5% of undergraduates.
| Residency | Acceptance Rate (if available) | Class of 2027 % |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. (all states) | Not published | 86.5% |
| International | Not published | 13.5% |
ℹ️ USC enrolls students from all 50 U.S. states and over 135 countries.
How Does USC Compare?
USC is one of the most selective private research universities in the U.S., with an acceptance rate and academic profile comparable to top public and private institutions.
| School | Acceptance Rate | Avg SAT | Avg GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| USC | 11% | 1410–1540 | 3.9 |
| UCLA | 8.6% | 1400–1550 | 4.0 (weighted) |
| UC Berkeley | 11% | 1415 | 3.9 |
| NYU | 8% | 1470 | 3.8 |
| Stanford | 3.6% | 1500–1570 | Near-perfect |
How to Boost Your Chances of Getting In
- Apply your learning to real-world projects, like launching a tutoring program or researching local issues.
- Lead with purpose by solving problems in your community or school, not just collecting positions or titles.
- Write essays that reflect personal growth, difficult decisions, and how your perspective has evolved.
- If applying to programs like Cinematic Arts or Architecture, make your portfolio or audition a window into your unique voice and vision.
- Ask teachers who can highlight your growth, curiosity, and impact beyond just grades.
- Show how you’ve contributed through service, family responsibilities, work, or creative projects that matter to you.
- Submit test scores only if they enhance your application—USC’s test-optional policy lets your other strengths shine.
USC Admissions FAQs
Q. Is USC harder to get into for international students?
A. USC's acceptance rate is highly competitive for all applicants. International students comprise about 13.5% of undergraduates, but separate acceptance rates by nationality are not published.
Q. What GPA do I need to get into USC?
A. Most admitted students have unweighted GPAs between 3.8 and 4.0, and are in the top 10% of their class. However, USC evaluates applications holistically.
Q. Does USC superscore SAT/ACT?
A. USC considers the highest section scores across all SAT and ACT test dates (superscoring).
Q. Is it worth applying without test scores?
A. USC remains test-optional for 2025–2026. Submit scores only if they strengthen your application.
Q. Can I get into USC with a 3.7 GPA?
A. While possible, most admitted students have higher GPAs. Strong essays, recommendations, and achievements are crucial.
Q. What does it mean to be deferred or waitlisted at USC?
A. Deferred applicants are reconsidered in the Regular Decision pool. Waitlisted students may be offered admission if space becomes available after May 1.
Q. What is the difference between Early Action and Regular Decision at USC?
A. Early Action is non-binding and does not offer a significant statistical advantage. Both rounds are highly competitive.
Q. How does USC's holistic review process work?
A. USC evaluates the entire application, including academics, essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and character. No single factor guarantees admission.
Q. Can I double major or switch majors after enrolling?
A. Yes, USC allows double majors and changing majors, subject to departmental requirements.
Q. How does USC support first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students?
A. USC offers robust financial aid, mentoring, outreach, and community programs. 21% of the Class of 2027 are first-generation college students.
Q. How and when will I receive my admissions decision?
A. Early Action applicants are notified in mid-January, Regular Decision in late March/early April. The reply deadline is May 1.
Q. Does USC offer interviews as part of the admissions process?
A. USC does not offer interviews for undergraduate admission, except for select programs (e.g., School of Cinematic Arts, Thornton School of Music).