A place like no other
A world of possibilities
You will soon make a decision that will impact the course of your life in ways that might seem unimaginable right now. A world of new possibilities will open to you. We invite you to explore some of these opportunities at USC:
A uniquely global perspective and a highly diverse student population.
Top-ranked schools and programs.
Classes taught by world-class faculty in just about every subject you can think of. A vibrant campus life and the dynamic city of Los Angeles that we call home.
The next few pages will show you what makes USC one of the premier universities in the nation—and why so many are proud to be part of the Trojan Family.
Challenge Yourself
USC seeks and attracts talented students from around the globe who want to pursue their studies across disciplines, explore the world and challenge the status quo. At USC, you will find different perspectives, experience diverse cultures and ultimately uncover new things about yourself along the way. We offer undergraduates numerous opportunities to extend and deepen their learning through research, honors programs, scholar distinctions, study abroad programs and more.
Explore, Experience, Discover
• Design your own studies by pursuing unique combinations of majors and minors in diverse disciplines.
• Distinguish yourself as a Renaissance Scholar by excelling in an interdisciplinary curriculum that will challenge you to make connections across disparate fields of study.
• Engage with other languages and cultures through our study abroad programs in 130+ cities in over 50 countries.
Learn from faculty who are experts in their fields—and eager to share their knowledge in the classroom.
• Enjoy access to facilities and technologies that rival those of professional settings.
• Participate in groundbreaking research and earn fellowships or scholarships.
Campus
Just three miles south of Downtown Los Angeles, the USC University Park Campus covers 229 acres and comprises a vibrant mix of green and park spaces, fountains and sculptures, and contemporary and traditional architecture.
USC has committed itself to sustainable practices that benefit the campus and surrounding community. We encourage students to explore our green alternatives, such as our bikefriendly campus, enhanced recycling programs or solarpowered housing, among others.
229
SIZE OF CAMPUS IN ACRES
LIBRARIES
Residential Life
USC is proud to be a community where the majority of students live on or near campus. Most of your classes, events and shopping will be just a short walk or bike ride away. Serving as a town center, the USC Village offers 1.2 million square feet of retail and residential space. Students can also take advantage of free Metro bus and rail passes to connect with local area attractions.
USC student housing comprises traditional residence hall rooms, suites and apartments, which feature:
• Residential Faculty and Resident Assistants who plan events and help support students during their time at USC.
21,000 UNDERGRADUATES
26,000 23
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Your home away from home
Living Learning Communities that unite students with similar backgrounds, cultures, academic goals or professional aspirations.
• A variety of dining halls, restaurants and cafés where students can enjoy a full meal or a quick grab-and-go snack. Options range from burgers to sushi and include kosher and vegetarian fare.
Los Angeles: The City of Angels
As a USC student, you will experience life in a thriving cosmopolitan center that stands at the crossroads of the Pacific Rim and Latin America.
As a major economic hub, L.A. offers students countless opportunities to expand their skills through internships across an array of industries.
The region’s diverse terrain offers a remarkable climate and makes possible a wide range of outdoor activities. No urban area in the country is as densely populated yet has so much open space, from the miles of sundrenched beaches to the horseback-riding trails and famous observatory at Griffith Park.
Just a short bus or train trip from campus is the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, an area enlivened by a sophisticated arts scene, numerous entertainment venues and international cuisine.
A Spirited Community
Trojan Family
All USC students and alumni are members of the close-knit Trojan Family, which is united by a passion to excel and a team spirit that extends to all aspects of life. Long after graduation day, Trojans continue to help one another by illuminating the pathways to success for generations of USC students.
USC Athletics
135
9
12
37 Varsity men’s teams Varsity women’s teams
National Team Championships Trojan football conference titles
153
Olympic gold medals won since 1944
10
Rhodes Scholar athletes
“At USC, you have the chance to become exactly who you want to be while being supported and surrounded by a community of other ambitious, talented students who are also pursuing their dreams.”
— Abby Jarvis, Bartlett, Illinois
A place to be you
Diversity
USC comprises one of the most diverse undergraduate populations of any top-ranked university in the U.S. More than two-thirds of our students are people of color, and USC enrolls students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 130 countries around the world. Students are invited to explore their own culture, or learn more about other cultures, through our Student Equity and Inclusion Programs. Our students represent the full spectra of ethnicity, background and identity, and we believe our community is strengthened by this intersectionality.
Dedication to Service
USC fosters a culture of community service by encouraging students to apply their academic knowledge toward solving real-world problems. More than half of all
USC undergraduates volunteer in the local community, and roughly 1,700 participate in servicelearning projects as part of their degree program.
Activities and Campus Organizations
• Play recreational sports through our more than 50 club sports and intramural leagues.
• Explore and deepen your interests in cultural, religious and pre-professional clubs, among many others.
Expand your perspective by attending performances and presentations by acclaimed artists and distinguished speakers.
• Learn about your own capacity to effect change in the world by helping others.
• Connect with the local community surrounding USC and Los Angeles.
See for yourself
We can’t wait to meet you and introduce you to all USC has to offer.
We have created numerous opportunities for you to explore USC, either in person or online. These events will help provide answers to all your questions about becoming a student at USC. Live information sessions with admission counselors will give you a chance to learn about our admission process, financial aid and campus life. Tours of campus led by current students will offer you a sneak peek into what life is like as a member of the Trojan Family.
Please know that we do not use demonstrated interest in our application reviews, meaning that whether or not you have been able to visit campus has no impact on your consideration for USC.
Want a more personalized experience to get answers to all your questions? Chat one-on-one with a Student Ambassador on our website! admission.usc.edu/student-ambassadors
To find out more about our events, or to find the USC admission counselor who covers your school, visit:
admission.usc.edu/meet-us
Applying to USC
USC students represent a diversity of interests and passions. Bold, driven, curious and creative, they want to make an impact, both in and out of the classroom.
We look for students we believe will thrive at USC. Our application process is designed to discover your individual story so that we might see how you would take advantage of the many opportunities available at USC. Like many highly selective universities, we conduct a comprehensive, holistic review of your application to consider academic and personal characteristics. We will review your performance in school, writing skills, any test scores you may have chosen to submit, as well as the rigor of your academic profile. We also consider the activities you engage in outside of the classroom, such as sports, clubs, leadership positions and community involvement. Above all, we want to understand the experiences that have shaped you and made you YOU.
USC’s test-optional policy: admission.usc.edu/testoptional-faq
Fall 2024
AS OF APRIL 2024
82,000 APPLICANTS
7,600
Financial Aid
With one of the largest financial aid programs in the country, USC has a long tradition of working with parents and families to meet the financial needs of our students.*
Our Affordability Initiative also ensures that students from U.S. families with an annual income of $80,000 or less with typical assets will attend USC tuitionfree.
USC’s admission process is needblind, meaning that a student’s ability to pay or interest in financial aid has no bearing on admission decisions. ADMITS
3,425 PLANNED SIZE OF ENTERING CLASS
19% OF THE ENTERING FIRST-YEAR CLASS WILL RECEIVE A MERITBASED SCHOLARSHIP FROM USC
More than two-thirds of USC undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, including merit scholarships, need-based grants, Federal Work-Study and loans.
*While USC expects that parents will play a leading role in financing a college education, our Financial Aid Office coordinates school, state and federal funds to bridge the gap between the cost of attendance and what families can afford to pay out of pocket. Students must meet all eligibility requirements and deadlines to be considered for full financial aid.
Learn more at financialaid.usc.edu
December
January
To ensure that you receive the most up-to-date information, register online today at admission.usc.edu/request-for-information
Gain tips, advice and insights into our admission process, directly from our counselors at admissionblog.usc.edu