University of Southern California: Profile & Overview
Explore USC's academic excellence, campus life, and opportunities for student success.
University of Southern California: A World-Class Research Institution
The University of Southern California stands as one of America’s most prestigious private research universities, combining academic excellence with unparalleled opportunities for student growth and development. Founded in 1880 by Robert M. Widney, USC has evolved from a small institution of 53 students and 10 teachers into a comprehensive research university serving approximately 46,000 students across diverse disciplines. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, USC leverages its urban setting to provide students with extraordinary access to resources, internship opportunities, and real-world learning experiences that define the modern American university.
Campus and Location
USC’s main campus spans 155 acres in the heart of Los Angeles’ Downtown Arts and Education Corridor, strategically positioning students to access the incomparable resources offered by Los Angeles and Southern California. The university’s geographic advantage provides undergraduates and graduate students with direct connections to leading industries, cultural institutions, and professional networks. Beyond the main University Park Campus, USC operates the Health Sciences campus located just three miles from downtown Los Angeles, a 79-acre facility that serves as a major center for basic and clinical biomedical research. This multi-campus approach allows USC to integrate academic learning with practical, real-world applications across various disciplines.
Academic Structure and Programs
USC’s academic framework comprises 22 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, offering students an expansive range of educational opportunities. The Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences serves as the liberal arts cornerstone, offering undergraduate degrees in more than 180 majors and minors across the humanities, social sciences, and natural and physical sciences. This diversity allows students to pursue both strong liberal arts education and professional studies simultaneously, creating a balanced educational experience.
The university offers 95 undergraduate majors and 147 academic and professional minors, with graduate programs classified as comprehensive, offering 134 master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees. The four-year undergraduate instructional program is classified as balanced arts and sciences with professional studies, maintaining high graduate coexistence that enriches the intellectual environment for all students.
Admissions and Student Demographics
Admissions Statistics
For the 2025-2026 academic year, USC’s admissions landscape reflects its status as one of America’s most selective institutions. The university received 83,488 applications, with only 9,345 students admitted, resulting in an 11.2% acceptance rate. Of the admitted students, 3,759 chose to matriculate, demonstrating the university’s competitive standing in higher education.
The middle 50-percent average unweighted GPA for the incoming freshman class ranged from 3.79 to 4.00, underscoring the academic caliber of admitted students. Over 21% of the incoming class comprises first-generation college students, reflecting USC’s commitment to educational access and diversity.
Student Body Composition
USC serves a remarkably diverse student population representing all fifty U.S. states and more than 115 countries. The fall 2025 student demographics reflect this international and multicultural character:
| Demographic Group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| International Students | 26.1% |
| White/Caucasian | 21.1% |
| Asian | 20.3% |
| Hispanic | 17.3% |
| Other | 9.2% |
| Black/African American | 6.0% |
The total student population comprises approximately 21,000 undergraduates and 25,000 graduate and professional students, reflecting USC’s designation as a major research university with substantial graduate programs.
Student Retention and Success
USC’s commitment to student success is evidenced by its exceptional retention rates. The fall 2025 retention rate reached 95% of full-time, first-time freshmen, with historically strong retention across preceding years: 96% in fall 2024, 96% in fall 2023, and 97% in fall 2022. These figures demonstrate that students who enroll at USC successfully complete their degrees and maintain their educational journey. With a 92% graduation rate, USC ensures that the vast majority of its students achieve their academic goals.
Faculty and Research Excellence
USC employs approximately 4,626 full-time faculty members and 19,957 staff members who support the university’s teaching and research missions. The university is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, reflecting its substantial research enterprise.
The university attracted $955.6 million in sponsored research funding during the 2020-21 fiscal year, supporting groundbreaking studies in biotech, public health, biomedical engineering, cancer research, and Alzheimer’s disease investigations. This research funding positions USC among the nation’s leading research institutions, enabling faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge scholarship that advances human knowledge and addresses critical societal challenges.
Degrees Awarded and Academic Outcomes
In 2025, USC awarded 5,994 bachelor’s degrees and 12,204 advanced degrees, demonstrating the university’s capacity to produce graduates across multiple educational levels. These graduates enter the workforce and graduate programs with comprehensive training in their respective fields, equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience gained through USC’s research and professional programs.
Popular Academic Programs
USC offers particular strengths in several high-demand fields. Management Sciences and Information Systems rank among the most popular majors, reflecting the university’s excellence in business and technology education. Biology and Computer Science also attract substantial numbers of students, underscoring USC’s reputation in STEM fields. The Dornsife College, with a full-time faculty of almost 1,000 and nearly 8,000 undergraduate majors, houses dozens of research centers and institutes that provide students with opportunities to engage in hands-on scholarship and discovery.
Rankings and Recognition
USC’s academic standing is consistently recognized by leading ranking organizations. In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings of national universities, USC ranked 27th nationally, affirming its position among America’s top research universities. The Niche Best Colleges rankings placed USC 19th overall based on academics and quality of student life. Internationally, USC is ranked 146th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, and 32nd among national universities in the U.S. and 55th in the world by the Academic Ranking of World Universities.
Health Sciences and Professional Schools
USC’s Health Sciences campus represents a major hub for biomedical research and professional education. Home to the region’s first and oldest medical and pharmacy schools, the 79-acre facility concentrates research efforts in cancer, gene therapy, neurosciences, and transplantation biology. This dedicated campus enables students pursuing medical, pharmacy, and related health professions to benefit from specialized facilities and faculty expertise focused entirely on health sciences education and research.
The Student Experience
Beyond academics, USC cultivates a dynamic and culturally diverse campus environment that enriches students’ educational experiences. The university’s location in Los Angeles provides unparalleled opportunities for internships, cultural engagement, and professional networking. Students benefit from proximity to major media companies, technology firms, healthcare organizations, and cultural institutions that characterize the region. This urban setting transforms campus life into an extension of professional development, allowing students to connect classroom learning with real-world applications across industries.
Commitment to Access and Affordability
With over 21% of the entering freshman class comprising first-generation college students, USC demonstrates a commitment to educational access and opportunity. The university’s focus on enrolling students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds ensures that talented students from all circumstances can access a world-class education. This commitment to access reflects USC’s values as a comprehensive research university dedicated to serving society through education and research.
Research and Innovation Infrastructure
USC’s research apparatus extends across multiple disciplines through its 22 professional schools and numerous research centers. The university’s R1 classification signals its position among the nation’s most research-intensive institutions, driving innovation across science, technology, engineering, medicine, business, and the humanities. The substantial research funding from federal agencies, private foundations, and industry partners enables students and faculty to engage in scholarship that addresses pressing global challenges and advances human understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the acceptance rate at USC?
A: For the 2025-2026 academic year, USC’s acceptance rate is 11.2%, making it one of the most selective universities in the United States. With 83,488 applications and 9,345 admissions, the university maintains highly competitive admissions standards.
Q: What is the student population at USC?
A: USC serves approximately 46,000 students, comprising roughly 21,000 undergraduates and 25,000 graduate and professional students. The student body represents all fifty U.S. states and more than 115 countries.
Q: What are the most popular majors at USC?
A: Popular majors include Management Sciences and Information Systems, Biology, and Computer Science. However, USC offers over 180 undergraduate majors and minors, providing students with extensive educational options.
Q: What is USC’s retention rate?
A: USC’s fall 2025 retention rate is 95% for full-time, first-time freshmen, with consistently strong retention across previous years. The university’s 92% graduation rate demonstrates successful student completion.
Q: How much research funding does USC attract?
A: USC attracted $955.6 million in sponsored research funding during the 2020-21 fiscal year, supporting research in biotech, public health, biomedical engineering, cancer research, and neuroscience.
Q: Where is USC located?
A: USC’s main University Park Campus is located in the heart of Los Angeles’ Downtown Arts and Education Corridor, with a Health Sciences campus located three miles from downtown Los Angeles.
Q: What percentage of USC students are first-generation college students?
A: Over 21% of USC’s entering freshman class comprises first-generation college students, reflecting the university’s commitment to educational access and diversity.
Q: How many schools comprise USC?
A: USC comprises 22 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, offering students an expansive range of educational opportunities across diverse disciplines and fields of study.
References
- College Data – University of Southern California Overview — CollegeData. Accessed 2025. https://www.collegedata.com/college-search/University-of-Southern-California
- Facts and Stats — University of Southern California Official Website. 2025-2026. https://www.usc.edu/we-are-usc/the-university/facts-and-stats/
- University of Southern California — Wikipedia. Accessed 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Southern_California
- University of Southern California — Niche College Rankings. 2025. https://www.niche.com/colleges/university-of-southern-california/
- University of Southern California: Rankings, Fees & Courses Details — Top Universities. 2026. https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/university-southern-california
- University of Southern California — U.S. News & World Report. 2025. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-southern-california-1328
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