About University of Southern California
The University of Southern California was established in 1880 with only 53 students and 10 teachers. Today, USC has grown into a prominent institution with over 48,000 students and more than 4,400 full-time faculty members. The university has a reputation for addressing global issues through interdisciplinary research across various schools and disciplines.
USC Online offers a diverse range of academic programs, with 23 schools and academic divisions providing undergraduate, graduate, and professional majors. Students have the option to study on their own schedule, providing greater flexibility for those with other commitments. The university maintains its commitment to academic excellence in its online offerings, ensuring a rigorous education that upholds the same standards as on-campus programs. USC’s online students have the opportunity to learn from leading experts in their respective fields, benefiting from the knowledge and expertise of top-notch faculty members.
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Accreditation & Licensing
University of Southern California is accredited by:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
28,882Fully Online Graduate Students:
23%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$18,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
69%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$48,649Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesAt USC, your time to finish depends a lot on your program and course load. Some paths move at a steady pace that can work for adults with jobs. Deadlines often have enough flexibility to help you keep moving each term.
Programs with clinical hours are usually tougher to balance. Weekly demands can rise fast, especially if you work full time. In those tracks, part-time study plus a full-time job can feel hard to keep up over time.
USC is a higher-cost school. Many students plan to use significant loans, and totals can be high. Students can still finish on schedule when their plan, pace, and life demands line up well.
At USC, professor support is a real strength. Many students describe faculty as responsive and easy to reach. Questions often get quick answers, and guidance is clear when classes get demanding. In graduate business courses, some professors offer one-on-one meetings before finals.
That gives students steady help during high-pressure weeks. Administrative support can feel less consistent day to day. The experience may differ by program or course, and internship help is not always the same across offices. Students often get the best results by using office hours and reaching out to professors directly. That is where support is usually strongest.
USC online classes run at a serious pace. The format expects active participation each week. Discussion work is meaningful, not light. Many learners attend exclusively online.
Instructors are highly responsive in online classes. Schedule flexibility exists in some courses. Deadline shifts can help with work conflicts. But the weekly load stays heavy.
Clinical paths can be harder to balance. Some tracks may need three clinical days with preceptors. USC fits online learners who can keep a steady pace.
USC classes are rigorous and hands-on. Many courses use discussion and project work, often across different fields. Professors are known for strong expertise and real investment in student growth. The pace is fast, and students who connect with faculty often do better.
Career outcomes are a core part of the USC experience. Classwork often ties to leadership skills and professional connections. The Trojan alumni network can also help open doors after graduation. Course quality can vary by instructor, and some general education classes may feel less useful than major courses.
USC offers strong academics with a clear focus on careers. Professors are a key strength. Classes are active, discussion-based, and often challenging. Students can expect regular contact with faculty and steady weekly work.
The Trojan network is a long-term advantage. Leadership roles and professional connections can help students grow in their careers. USC is a strong choice for students who want both challenge and support in class. Cost is a major factor for many families.
Tuition is high, and many students use loans. Faculty support is often timely, while administrative support can differ by program. Workload fit also matters. Some programs work well with full-time jobs, but clinical-heavy tracks can be harder to manage.
USC offers strong academics with a clear focus on careers. Professors are a key strength. Classes are active, discussion-based, and often challenging. Students can expect regular contact with faculty and steady weekly work.
The Trojan network is a long-term advantage. Leadership roles and professional connections can help students grow in their careers. USC is a strong choice for students who want both challenge and support in class. Cost is a major factor for many families.
Tuition is high, and many students use loans. Faculty support is often timely, while administrative support can differ by program. Workload fit also matters. Some programs work well with full-time jobs, but clinical-heavy tracks can be harder to manage.
Online Programs offered by University of Southern California
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Frequently Asked Questions About University of Southern California
Is University of Southern California accredited?
Yes. University of Southern California is institutionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
How many online programs does University of Southern California offer?
University of Southern California offers 114 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does University of Southern California offer?
University of Southern California offers graduate-level programs, including master's, doctoral, and graduate certificate pathways.
How should students contact admissions at University of Southern California?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is University of Southern California expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, University of Southern California falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at University of Southern California?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask University of Southern California first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most University of Southern California programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Is University of Southern California military friendly?
University of Southern California shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from University of Southern California through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for University of Southern California applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Resume/CV, Statement of Purpose/Intent, and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does University of Southern California accept life experience credit?
University of Southern California does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are University of Southern California programs fully online or mixed?
University of Southern California includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does University of Southern California offer?
University of Southern California has online program options in areas such as Healthcare, Engineering, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, and Business; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any University of Southern California programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH); AACSB International (AACSB); Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Are any admission tests required for University of Southern California programs?
Some listed programs include GRE or GMAT requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at University of Southern California?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any University of Southern California programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at University of Southern California?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For University of Southern California, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare University of Southern California programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
University of Southern California is featured in 41 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
University of Southern California is located in California
California at a Glance:
Top Majors in California:
Top Incentives in California:
- Cal Grant Program: Up to $12,570 annually
- Middle Class Scholarship: Up to 40% of tuition and fees
- Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan: Full tuition coverage
Top Career Pathways in California:
- Entry Level: Software Engineer ($95,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Engineer ($150,000)
- Senior Level: Technical Director ($200,000+)
- Required Education: BS Computer Science
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- Entry Level: Clinical Manager ($75,000)
- Mid Level: Hospital Administrator ($120,000)
- Senior Level: Healthcare Executive ($180,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CPHQ
- Entry Level: Environmental Specialist ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Environmental Manager ($110,000)
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- Required Education: BS Environmental Science
- Certifications: CHMM, PE