The University of Southern California continues to solidify its position among the most selective universities in the country. For the Class of 2029, USC reported an acceptance rate of 10.4%, admitting approximately 8,684 students out of a staggering 83,500 applicants. As the Class of 2030 admissions cycle concludes, early indicators suggest the university will set yet another record for selectivity.
USC’s trajectory over the past decade has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2015, the university accepted roughly 17% of its applicants. That figure dropped below 12% for the Class of 2027, and continued its descent to 9.9% for the Class of 2028 before ticking up slightly to 10.4% for the Class of 2029. With application volumes continuing to climb year over year, USC has firmly entered the ranks of single-digit or near-single-digit acceptance rates, placing it on par with many Ivy League institutions in terms of admissions competitiveness.
The academic profile of admitted students continues to rise alongside the university’s growing selectivity. USC employs a holistic admissions process, evaluating applicants not only on academic achievement and standardized test scores but also on extracurricular involvement, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated fit with the Trojan community. As with other increasingly selective schools like Georgetown University, USC weighs every element of a student’s application. The university’s test-optional policy, adopted during the pandemic, remains in effect, though a significant share of admitted students continue to submit SAT and ACT scores.
USC’s location in Los Angeles remains one of its greatest draws, offering students unparalleled access to industries ranging from entertainment and technology to healthcare and public policy. The university’s expansive alumni network — one of the most active in the world — provides graduates with a lifelong professional advantage. These factors, combined with substantial investments in research, financial aid, and campus infrastructure, have fueled the surge in applications.
The university has also made strides in building increasingly diverse incoming classes. Students from all 50 states and over 100 countries have been represented in recent classes, with growing percentages of first-generation college students and Pell Grant recipients. USC has significantly expanded its financial aid budget in recent years, committing to meeting the demonstrated need of admitted students.
At Oriel Admissions, we regularly support students with applications to highly selective universities including USC. We provide 360-degree college counseling support to allow students to build compelling profiles in high school and to successfully apply to college. From interview preparation to waitlist strategy, our team guides families through every stage of the admissions process. Contact us to learn more today!
