University of Southern California

    Los Angeles, CA · Private non-profit · Doctoral / R1 research university

    SAT middle 50% (admitted students)
    1450–1550
    Median ~1500
    Acceptance rate
    10%
    Enrollment
    20,443
    ACT middle 50%
    32–35

    How USC compares

    • The ~1500 SAT midpoint ranks #14 of 197 US colleges with published SAT ranges in this snapshot and #3 of 5 in CA.
    • Its 10% acceptance rate is more selective than 96% of the 197 colleges in the same ranked pool.
    • Reported section midpoints skew 40 points toward Math (760 Math vs 720 Reading and Writing).
    • Median earnings 10 years after entry ($92,498) are $29,432 above the $63,066 median across that pool.
    National SAT rank
    #14 of 197
    SAT rank in CA
    #3 of 5
    More selective than
    96% of ranked colleges
    Earnings vs national median
    +$29,432

    What the numbers say about USC

    • The reported middle 50% spans 100 points, from 1450 to 1550. A planning score near or above 1590 gives you a target above that historical range, not an admission guarantee.
    • The reported section midpoints are 720 Reading and Writing and 760 Math. Use the lower section as the first place to look for recoverable points in your own score split.
    • The Scorecard snapshot reports a 10% acceptance rate. That rate describes a past applicant pool and should not be read as your personal admission probability.
    • Reported outcomes include a 92% completion rate and $92,498 in median earnings 10 years after entry. Compare those figures with cost and program fit, not in isolation.
    Understand a 1500 SAT scorePlan for a 1600Verify current admissions policy

    Tuition and outcomes

    Tuition (in-state)
    $72,097
    Tuition (out-of-state)
    $72,097
    Median earnings 10 years after entry
    $92,498
    4-year completion rate (150% time)
    92%

    Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard. Documentation version September 2025; repository snapshot imported April 25, 2026. Scorecard fields can come from different reporting years, and this snapshot does not encode one universal data year. SAT totals are rounded to the nearest valid 10 points. Tuition excludes room, board, fees, and books. Read the methodology.

    How your SAT score lines up

    The Scorecard snapshot places the middle 50% of reported scores between 1450 and 1550. This is descriptive data, not an admission threshold or probability estimate.

    • 1590 SAT planning target: Above the reported middle-50% range.
    • 1550 SAT (reported 75th percentile): At the upper end of the reported middle-50% range.
    • 1500 SAT (median): Within the upper half of the reported range.
    • 1450 SAT (reported 25th percentile): Within the lower half of the reported range.
    At or above 1550

    Strong relative score

    At the upper end of the reported range. Consider submitting if the current policy accepts scores.

    1450–1540

    Within the reported range

    Compare your exact position, section split, and the rest of your academic record.

    Below 1450

    Below the reported range

    Check the current testing policy before deciding whether to withhold the score or retake.

    Compare to other colleges →

    Colleges with similar SAT scores

    Ranked by proximity to USC's reported SAT midpoint. Similar scores do not imply similar programs, cost, or admission odds.

    Scroll horizontally to view all columns →

    CollegeLocationSAT middle 50%Acceptance rate
    Washington and Lee UniversityLexington, VA1430–154014%
    Boston CollegeChestnut Hill, MA1440–154016%
    Middlebury CollegeMiddlebury, VT1450–155011%
    Grinnell CollegeGrinnell, IA1410–154015%
    Bowdoin CollegeBrunswick, ME1470–15507%
    Carleton CollegeNorthfield, MN1450–156020%

    FAQs

    What SAT score do I need for USC?

    University of Southern California's Scorecard snapshot shows a middle-50% SAT range of 1450–1550, rounded to valid 10-point totals. 1590 is a planning target above the reported range, not an admission cutoff.

    What is USC's acceptance rate?

    University of Southern California's most recently reported acceptance rate is approximately 10%.

    How much does it cost to attend USC?

    Published tuition is approximately $72,097 per year (excludes room, board, fees).

    Is USC test-optional?

    Many US universities adjusted test policies after 2020. Check University of Southern California's admissions page for current test-optional, test-required, or test-flexible policy.

    Official site: www.usc.edu