A new way to tour USC
A typical USC tour can feel impersonal, leaving you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a guide the school assigns you.
SchoolScoops offers private University of Southern California tours tailored to your interests. Choose your own USC student tour guide and enjoy a personalized campus visit where you'll get candid answers to your questions.
SchoolScoops is the more personal way to tour University of Southern California
Private and personalized USC tours
On a traditional University of Southern California campus tour you’re just a number in a big group. With SchoolScoops, you can book a private University of Southern California tour led by a real USC student, giving you a personalized campus visit and the chance to ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own tour guide
Unlike a traditional University of Southern California campus tour, SchoolScoops lets you choose your own tour guide. Whether you want to meet an engineering major, a student-athlete or a fellow transfer student, you'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional University of Southern California campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the tour guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just honest, unfiltered advice about the USC experience.
Find out if USC is the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. A private USC tour helps you decide if University of Southern California is the right fit for your academic goals, career ambitions and college experience.
Featured USC tour guides
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Real feedback on student-led campus tours
Get to know University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles, California, United States. Founded in 1880 by Robert M. Widney, USC is the oldest private research university in California, and has an enrollment of more than 49,000 students.
Overview
Founded in 1880, USC is a private research university located in Los Angeles, California. Renowned for its diverse range of programs, strong emphasis on research, vibrant campus life, and competitive athletic teams, USC offers a comprehensive educational experience.
Size
As of fall 2023, USC's total enrollment is approximately 48,945 students, with 20,699 undergraduates and 28,246 graduate students.
Acceptance rate
USC has an acceptance rate of approximately 12%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1500 and 1570 or an ACT score between 34 and 35.
Cost
For the 2024–2025 academic year undergraduate tuition and fees were $71,647. Graduate tuition and fees vary by program; specific details can be found on USC's official website. USC is committed to making education accessible by bridging the gap between the cost of attendance and what families pay out of pocket.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, USC is ranked #28 out of 436 National Universities.
Academics
USC offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university maintains a student-to-faculty ratio that fosters close interaction between students and professors.
Traditions
The University of Southern California's traditions include the Trojan Marching Band’s Spirit of Troy performances, the Victory Bell rivalry with UCLA, the annual Swim with Mike charity event, the Lighting of the Torch during Trojan Family Weekend, and the singing of Fight On to celebrate school pride.
Campus landmarks
USC's best landmarks include the iconic Tommy Trojan statue, the historic Doheny Memorial Library, the USC Village, Bovard Auditorium, and the University Park Campus Fountain, all reflecting its blend of tradition and modernity.
Student body
Over 60% of USC students come from outside California, with strong representation from New York, Texas, Illinois, Washington, and Florida, along with a globally diverse international student body from over 130 countries.
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Become a guideYour University of Southern California questions, answered
Is USC Difficult to Get Into?
Yes, the University of Southern California (USC) is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 10-12%. Strong academic performance, along with a competitive application, is essential for admission.
What GPA Do You Need to Get Into USC?
USC doesn’t have a minimum GPA requirement, but most admitted students have a 3.7 or higher. The average GPA for the Class of 2027 was 3.86, and competitive applicants typically take AP, IB, or Honors courses. Aiming for a 3.79+ GPA, along with strong extracurriculars and essays, improves your chances.
What Is USC Known For?
USC is renowned for its top academics, research, and athletics. It excels in business, engineering, communication, and the arts, with the School of Cinematic Arts producing stars like George Lucas. USC’s football team boasts 11 national titles and 8 Heisman winners, and its Annenberg and Marshall schools are highly respected.
What Is the Student Population Size of the University of Southern California?
As of fall 2023, USC has an undergraduate enrollment of 21,023 students.
What Majors Is USC Known For?
USC is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, communication, journalism, visual and performing arts, social sciences, and computer science. Its Marshall School of Business and School of Cinematic Arts are especially prestigious.
Where Do Most USC Students Live?
Most USC students live in University Park, West Adams, or Jefferson Park, as well as off-campus housing near 28th and 29th Street, Figueroa Street, and Vermont Street. Many also reside in USC Village, a large residential and retail hub with dorms, dining, and shopping. While USC offers on-campus housing, some students choose off-campus apartments for more space and amenities.
Is the University of Southern California Expensive?
Yes, USC is a high-cost private university, with tuition around $69,000 for the 2024-25 academic year. Additional expenses for housing, meals, and fees make the total cost even higher, but financial aid and scholarships are available to help offset costs.
Does University of Southern California offer private campus tours?
Yes, through SchoolScoops, you can book a private campus tour led by a student guide of your choice.
How Can You Tour the University of Southern California?
USC offers in-person guided tours, self-guided tours, and virtual tours. You can schedule a guided tour through the USC Admissions website, explore campus independently with a self-guided tour map, or take a virtual tour online. Visit the USC Admissions website for more details.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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