
8.11
Edline Index
5.8
46,566
20,630 undergraduate
1880
Private
A spirit of boundless ambition and interdisciplinary innovation defines the intellectual life at the University of Southern California, where a comprehensive research mission empowers students to transcend traditional academic boundaries across more than 20 professional schools and academic units. Rooted in a founding commitment to serve the diverse communities of Los Angeles, USC's approach integrates rigorous scholarship with hands-on professional preparation, encouraging students to apply cutting-edge research to the real-world challenges of one of the world's most dynamic metropolitan regions. This vibrant scholarly environment is anchored in the University Park campus, a cohesive 226-acre setting in the heart of South Los Angeles that serves as a gateway to the entertainment, technology, healthcare, and public policy industries that define the region. Within this global crossroads of cultures and ideas, leadership is forged through a dedication to collaborative discovery and a Trojan network of more than 400,000 alumni spanning every continent.
Cross-disciplinary exploration is the hallmark of the USC experience, where the campus functions as a premier hub for undergraduate research, creative expression, and global connectivity. Undergraduate education is deeply integrated into a world-class research ecosystem, providing students with early opportunities to collaborate with faculty across fields ranging from cinematic arts and biomedical engineering to public policy and business. A supportive 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized mentorship and sophisticated intellectual exchange throughout the undergraduate journey. USC's admission process is need-blind, and the university has a long tradition of meeting 100 percent of USC-determined financial need for eligible domestic students who meet all deadlines and requirements. International students, while not eligible for need-based aid, are considered for merit-based scholarships alongside all applicants. Through this blend of academic excellence, urban vitality, and a culture that values both individual achievement and collective impact, USC graduates emerge ready not only to excel in their chosen professions but to lead with vision and purpose on a global stage.
Policy Type
Merit-only
VariesMerit-only universities offer scholarships based on academic/achievement factors rather than financial need. Need-based aid for international students is limited or unavailable.
Compare with other policy types
| Ranking Organization | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #146 | 2026 |
| Time Higher Education | #73 | 2026 |
| US News National Report | #28 | 2026 |