University of Southern California SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
USC is test-optional, but its score range shows that submitted scores are still a high bar: the middle SAT range is 1450 to 1530. To be competitive, aim near the top of that range, or around a 35 ACT, alongside the kind of grades reflected by its 3.80 average GPA.
⬡ LangSmithbc887be0-42cd-43ef-ac3a-8ec2f9379abeData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of Southern California facts and stats
University of Southern California enrolls 20,630 undergraduates on an urban campus. USC has a 96% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 92% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 8:1.
⬡ LangSmithaec04c01-0d6b-4f6c-924e-499c97e340c6Los Angeles, CA
How do your scores compare at USC?
Key University of Southern California application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 15
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
December 1
Financial Aid Priority
April 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to USC, plan to take your first test by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and fall for retakes to improve your superscore, with October typically the last retake that can arrive in time for the November 1 Early Action deadline.
⬡ LangSmith61a2e9fa-8f3d-477a-8115-8d709c93f8b2Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at University of Southern California?
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What you'll actually pay
USC is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $71,647, and 43% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $4,430. Submit the FAFSA by the April 1 priority deadline.
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USC’s estimated total cost of attendance is $91,578, including $71,647 in tuition and fees and $19,931 for room and board. About 43% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $17,418, while the average merit award is $4,430. For context, graduates leave with an average debt of $31,501.
⬡ LangSmith3c198494-8da5-42eb-a435-bd0a0fa71e59Student life at University of Southern California
36% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 2% of men join fraternities, and 12% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Claremont McKenna College
Claremont, CAAcceptance rate: 9.6%
SAT: 1490–1550
ACT: 33–35
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 9%
Pomona College
Claremont, CAAcceptance rate: 7.1%
SAT: 1500–1550
ACT: 33–35
Stanford University
Stanford, CAAcceptance rate: 3.6%
SAT: 1510–1570
ACT: 34–35
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