Facts and Stats

USC is an innovative private research university that blends the autonomy for exploration emblematic of a private institution with its size and resources, along with the breadth and scale of a public university.

Commencement Day on USC campus

A Leading Private Research University

In its comprehensive 2022 ranking, The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education ranked USC 19th among more than 1,000 public and private universities. Among all California institutions — public and private — only USC, Caltech and Stanford University ranked within the top 20. Of the 150 universities surveyed in the western U.S., USC ranks No. 3 overall. Among the top 25 schools, USC ranked No. 4 in engagement, which measures student sentiment on how their education prepares them for the real world.

Student Data (2022-2023 academic year)

21,000

Undergraduates

28,500

Graduate and professional

49,500

Total student population

Faculty and Staff (2022-23 academic year)

4,624

Faculty (full-time)

17,216

Staff (50 percent time or more)

8,225

Student workers (does not include teaching/research assistants)

Freshman Class Data (Fall 2023)

USC received 80,808 applications for academic year 2023-2024. The total number of admitted students was 8,094, with 3,633 of the admitted students matriculating. The middle 50-percent average GPA (unweighted) was 3.79-4.00. Over 25% of the incoming class are first-generation college students.

A girl standing talking with another student.

Ten percent of the 80,808 freshman applicants were admitted.

Lisa Tanker (check) moves some things while her son Amri Rigby grabs a bag on move-in day at USC in Los Angeles, CA. Aug. 20, 2014. Photo by David Sprague

Of the 8,094 admitted students, 3,633 matriculated.

Parents and students wait in line during move in day , Wednesday, August 16, 2017. (Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Twenty-five percent of the class were first in their family to attend college.

Student Demographics – All (Fall 2022)

Asians 19.3%
Black/African American 5.8%
Hispanic 15.3%
White/Caucasian 24.8%
Other 8.2%
International 26.6%

International Students – All (Fall 2022)

China 6,513
India 2,590
South Korea 518
Taiwan 471
Canada 335
Saudi Arabia 164
Indonesia 133
Mexico 127
Hong Kong 124
Iran 122
Other places of origin 1,959
Total 13,056

Student Retention Rate (Fall 2022)

Fall 2021 (% enrolled Fall 2022) 97%
Fall 2020 (% enrolled Fall 2021) 96%
Fall 2019 (% enrolled Fall 2020) 91%
Fall 2018 (% enrolled Fall 2019) 96%
Fall 2017 (% enrolled Fall 2018) 97%

*USC’s retention rate is based on full-time, first-time freshmen.

Degrees Awarded (Fall 2022)

Bachelor’s degrees 5,424
Advanced degrees 12,393

Six-Year Graduation Rate (Student Right-to-Know*)

2022 (Fall 2016 freshman class)  92%
2021 (Fall 2015 freshman class)  92%
2020 (Fall 2014 freshman class)  92%
2019 (Fall 2013 freshman class)  91%
2018 (Fall 2012 freshman class)  92%
2017 (Fall 2011 freshman class)  92%

*Student Right-to-Know refers to a federally mandated disclosure of a college’s graduation rate. Its intent is to provide prospective students and their parents with a statistic of comparable effectiveness that can be used in determining college choice. USC’s current graduation rate is based on full-time, first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates who entered the university in the fall semester and graduated within six years of attendance (150% of the normal completion time). Graduation rates do not include students who left school to serve in the armed forces or on official church missions or with a foreign aid service of the federal government, or students who died or were totally and permanently disabled.

Common Data Set

The Common Data Set (CDS) comprises standard data items and definitions established by data providers in higher education and publishing to improve the quality, comparability and accuracy of institutional information. View USC’s Common Data Set.

IPEDS Data

IPEDS is the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. It is a system of interrelated surveys conducted annually by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. IPEDS gathers information from every college, university, and technical and vocational institution that participates in the federal student financial aid programs. View USC’s IPEDS Data.

College Navigator

The College Navigator is a free consumer information tool designed to assist students, parents, high school counselors, and others get information about over 7,000 colleges and universities across the United States and other areas. View USC’s College Navigator Profile.

Undergraduate Tuition

 $66,640 (2023-24 undergraduate estimate of costs)

New USC students take part in a Spirt Rally featuring the Trojan Marching band, Friday, August 19, 2016. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Financial Aid Awarded

USC is committed to honoring the academic potential of all students, regardless of background or financial means. Over $773.4 million was awarded in the fiscal year 2021-2022 (all sources). The university is need-blind in making its admission decisions and works with families toward meeting a student’s financial needs if they meet all eligibility requirements.

Financial Aid Awarded

$464.3 million

Financial aid from all university sources

$814 million

Total financial aid disbursed in 2022-23

$773.4 million

Amount of financial aid disbursed from all sources for 2021-22 (including work-study and loans)

at the USC McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative Saturday Academy kickoff at USC Sept. 8, 2018. Photo by David Sprague

Community Partnerships

The University of Southern California has been a proud and active member of its community since 1880. USC believes its strength as a great university depends on its ability to be a good neighbor. USC is dedicated to supporting healthy, vibrant and engaged communities around its University Park and Health Sciences campuses.

$35 million

USC invests $35 million annually to support community initiatives, serving 40,000 community members.

31

Total number of USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative partners across both USC campuses

15

Total number of schools in the USC Family of Schools system

Researchers discussing their work in a lab.

Sponsored Research

The University of Southern California attracted $955.6 million in sponsored research (2020-21 fiscal year) to fund studies in biotech, public health, biomedical engineering, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease, among others.

Endowment (as of June 30, 2022)

$7.3 billion

University Budget (2023-24 fiscal year)

$7.4 billion

University Annual Financial Reports