University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university rooted in Los Angeles. Its University Park campus places liberal arts, business, engineering, cinematic arts, journalism, music, public policy and other schools in one large academic community; a separate Health Sciences Campus concentrates clinical, medical and health professions education. Students can often combine subjects across schools, but admission, portfolios, auditions, prerequisites and professional licensing requirements are set by each program. The right starting point is the degree and school, then the campus and cost attached to it.

Programs and campuses

USC offers undergraduate and graduate study across 23 schools and academic divisions. Its best-known areas include film and cinematic arts, engineering, business, communication and journalism, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, social work, law, architecture and music, alongside a broad College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Examples of undergraduate study include animation and digital media, computer science, business administration, biological sciences, journalism, public policy and game design. Some specialized majors require an audition or portfolio. Review USC’s undergraduate study guide and each school’s page for its full program list and application requirements.

University Park Campus (main campus): 3551 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0001; (213) 740-2311. USC does not publish one general visitor schedule for the whole campus; access is through individual entrances. The Watt Way entrance lists weekday access from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closure on weekends; the McCarthy Way entrance is listed as open 24 hours. Check current campus entrance hours and visitor policies before traveling.

Health Sciences Campus: 1975 Zonal Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033. This campus serves the Keck School of Medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing-related clinical units, occupational therapy and other health sciences. Campus offices and clinics have separate schedules; contact the relevant school or clinic before a visit. The USC Health Sciences contact office is at 1510 San Pablo St., Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90033-9204; (323) 442-2000.

Tuition, grants and scholarships

For 2026–27, USC estimates full-time undergraduate tuition at $75,384, with total annual attendance budgets of $103,162 for students living on campus, $102,792 for those living off campus and $94,630 for students living with parents or relatives. These estimates include housing, food, books, transportation and personal expenses; the first semester also carries a $450 new-student fee. The budget is not a bill, and the actual amount varies with housing, enrollment, fees and aid.

USC says nearly two-thirds of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. Eligible incoming first-year students from U.S. families with annual income of $80,000 or less and typical assets can attend tuition-free under the university’s current policy; eligibility is determined using the financial aid application and USC’s rules. Merit scholarships range from a few thousand dollars to full tuition and are based on academic achievement, leadership, service or talent. A separate $20,000-per-year award is available to admitted National Merit Finalists who name USC as their first choice with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Need-based aid, merit awards and departmental scholarships have different deadlines and application steps. Read the current financial aid and scholarship information and use the net cost tools before assuming an award will cover housing or other expenses.

Applying

First-year and transfer applicants use the Common Application and complete USC-specific sections. Some majors require portfolios, auditions or additional materials, and professional schools may have separate admission processes. Aid documents have their own deadlines, so start them alongside the admission application. Begin with USC’s application instructions and check the school page for your program rather than relying on a general university deadline.

What students say

Student reviews often highlight academic variety, school spirit, campus energy and access to faculty and professional opportunities. Some reviewers also describe the price of attendance and housing as a serious burden; others say large classes or established social circles can make the experience feel less personal. These individual accounts vary by school and year, but they make two questions especially useful before enrolling: what will your actual net price be after grants, and how will your specific department connect you with advising, internships and research? Explore a range of student reviews alongside the program and cost information.