University of Southern California admits approximately 10.0% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 10 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places USC among the most selective universities in the United States, well below the peer median admission rate of 69.4%. Even among elite private research universities, USC's acceptance rate reflects highly competitive admission standards. This level of selectivity means that even exceptionally qualified students face significant uncertainty in the admission process. Many students who would thrive at USC do not receive admission due to the volume of highly qualified applicants competing for limited spots. Students considering USC should build comprehensive college lists that include institutions with higher acceptance rates but comparable academic quality and career outcomes. USC should be treated as a reach school for most applicants regardless of academic credentials. Prospective students should focus on demonstrating unique value propositions and alignment with USC's academic programs rather than relying solely on test scores and grades. The sections below provide guidance on academic competitiveness and alternative schools with similar outcomes but more accessible admission processes.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
USC attracts academically exceptional students with test scores among the highest we track. Admitted students typically score 1440–1550 on the SAT, with a median around 1501. SAT Math scores range from 740–790, while SAT Verbal scores span 700–760. ACT scores range from 32–35 with a median of 34. These ranges represent the middle 50% of enrolled students, meaning 25% score below the lower bound and 25% score above the upper bound. Students scoring below 1440 on the SAT face competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. USC's test score profile significantly exceeds the peer median SAT of 1378, reflecting the university's position among highly selective institutions. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when building their college application strategy. Those with scores within or above these ranges demonstrate academic competitiveness for admission, though test scores represent only one component of USC's holistic evaluation process. The 123-point SAT advantage over peer institutions indicates USC's ability to attract top academic performers while maintaining diverse program strengths across business, communications, and STEM fields.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Southern California enrolls a student body that combines academic excellence with meaningful economic diversity. USC serves 21.7% Pell-eligible students, indicating enrollment of students from lower-income families, alongside 24.7% first-generation college students. The university admits 26.9% transfer students, providing pathways for students from community colleges and other institutions. This composition reflects USC's commitment to access despite highly selective admission standards. First-generation students should recognize that nearly one in four enrolled students shares their background, indicating institutional experience supporting students navigating higher education independently. The Pell share demonstrates that USC enrolls students from diverse economic circumstances, though the percentage remains lower than public institutions with broader access missions. Transfer applicants should note the substantial 26.9% transfer enrollment, suggesting meaningful opportunities for students seeking to complete degrees at USC after starting elsewhere. These demographics indicate that USC's admission process considers student backgrounds and potential beyond traditional academic metrics, creating opportunities for students who demonstrate readiness to succeed in a demanding academic environment.
Given USC's 10% acceptance rate, most applicants should treat it as a reach school regardless of qualifications. Smart students build balanced college lists with institutions offering similar career outcomes but more accessible admission.
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USC demonstrates exceptional student support with outcomes that exceed national averages across all student populations. The university maintains a 96.5% freshman retention rate compared to a peer median of 81.3%, indicating strong first-year student satisfaction and academic integration. USC graduates 92.0% of students within six years, substantially above the peer median of 63.5%. Pell-eligible students graduate at 86.4%, creating a 5.6 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. While this gap indicates some challenges for lower-income students, the 86.4% Pell completion rate remains exceptionally strong in absolute terms. Students who gain admission to USC can expect robust institutional support for degree completion regardless of background. The relatively small Pell gap suggests effective academic and financial support systems for students from diverse economic circumstances. Prospective students should view these retention and completion rates as strong indicators of the academic environment and support infrastructure they will encounter. These outcomes demonstrate USC's effectiveness in translating selective admission into successful degree completion across its diverse student population.
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