Private not-for-profit

Large

Big Ten Conference

University of Southern California SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1450 to 1530

ACT Range32 to 35

Average GPA3.80

Acceptance Rate9.8%

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.

Data 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

Quick Facts

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.

Location

Los Angeles, CA

Undergrad Enrollment20,630

Freshman Retention96%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio8:1

Graduation Rate92%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at USC?

SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

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Key University of Southern California application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 15

Early Action

November 1

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

December 1

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

April 1

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

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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.

Tuition and Fees$71,647

Room and Board$19,931

Average Merit Award$4,430

Application Fee$85

Students on Aid43%

Average Aid Package$17,418

Average Debt at Grad$31,501

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.