The University of Southern California Ranks Among the Top! Overview of Popular Programmes and Tuition Fees at USC

The University of Southern California (USC) is the oldest and largest private research university on the West Coast of the United States, founded in 1880 and located in the heart of Los Angeles. USC is renowned for its high-quality teaching and research, consistently ranking among the top in various global rankings. What are the most popular programmes at USC? Is the tuition fee expensive? This article will provide an in-depth introduction to USC, offering a comprehensive look at this prestigious university.

Source: USC

The University of Southern California (USC) is the oldest private research university in California and a member of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). Despite being just over a century old, USC’s programmes are highly acclaimed, consistently securing strong positions in various global rankings. In the QS 2025 World University Rankings, USC is ranked 125th globally and 29th in the United States [1]. Additionally, USC is placed 27th in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities [2], and it ranks 72nd in the Times Higher Education 2025 World University Rankings [3].

As one of the top universities in the United States, USC offers a diverse range of academic disciplines, with 23 schools and over 300 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes. Many of its departments are highly regarded nationwide [4]. Below are some of USC’s most popular programmes:

USC’s School of Cinematic Arts is recognised as one of the best film schools in the world, having produced many renowned filmmakers and actors, including *Star Wars* director George Lucas and director Ron Howard. Students gain professional expertise in film production, including directing, screenwriting, cinematography, producing, and animation.

Source: Freepik

The Marshall School of Business at USC is renowned for its strong international business programmes. Specialisations such as Business Administration, Finance, and Marketing are particularly popular among students. The school’s MBA programme is highly respected in the global business community and is a top choice for students from Asia and the Americas seeking advanced management education.

USC’s Annenberg School offers comprehensive courses in communication theory and journalism practice, along with extensive research initiatives in international journalism and digital media studies.

The Viterbi School of Engineering is well known for its innovative research and high-quality teaching. Its programmes cover a wide range of fields, including Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Environmental Engineering. The school collaborates with numerous companies and government agencies, providing students with valuable internship and research opportunities.

USC’s Keck School of Medicine is a leader in research across fundamental medicine, clinical medicine, and public health. The school is dedicated to advancing medical and public health innovation, particularly in the fields of pharmacy and clinical medicine, and has produced a significant number of highly skilled professionals.

Source: USC

As a private university, the University of Southern California (USC) has relatively high tuition fees. According to the latest survey by the student finance information platform , USC ranks 4th among the most expensive universities in the United States [5]. The annual tuition and fees at USC are approximately $69,904 (excluding accommodation and living expenses). However, students need not worry excessively about costs, as the university offers a variety of scholarship programmes to help cover education expenses. These include the “USC International Artist Scholarship” for arts students and several specialised scholarships for business and engineering students. These programmes enable talented students to focus on their studies at USC without financial concerns.

Los Angeles is one of the world’s major hubs for culture, science and technology, international trade, and higher education. Studying at USC not only enhances students' academic growth but also offers an opportunity to experience a rich and diverse campus life, broadening their horizons. After learning about USC’s rankings and tuition fees, if you wish to know more about its programmes and application process, or if you have other questions about studying abroad, feel free to contact Cyclopes at any time.

References:

https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/search

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/latest/world-ranking

https://usc.edu/academics/explore-our-programs/

https://thecollegeinvestor.com/41773/most-expensive-colleges/