University of Southern California- Class of 2029
The University of Southern California (USC) has announced an acceptance rate of 10.4% for its incoming Class of 2029. This marks a slight increase from the previous year’s low of 9.8%. This increase reflects the university’s shifting admissions landscape that seems to have been influenced by factors such as application volume, institutional priorities, and broader socioeconomic considerations.
Application Volume
For the Class of 2029, USC received a record-breaking 83,500 applications, surpassing the previous year’s total by nearly 1,500. The university extended offers to 8,700 students for fall admission and an additional 2,200 for spring enrollment. When including both fall and spring admits, the overall acceptance rate stands at approximately 13%.
USC fall acceptance rate increases to 10.4% – Annenberg Media
The slight increase in USC’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 represents a departure from the downward trend observed in recent years. For example, the Class of 2028 had an acceptance rate of 9.8%, the Class of 2027 saw a rate of 9.9%, and the Class of 2026 experienced a higher rate of 12%. This recent shift may suggest a recalibration in USC’s admissions strategy.
Geographic Diversity
According to the USC Office of Admissions, first-generation students comprise 20% of fall admitted students. All 50 states are represented in the admitted class of 2029, with California students representing 39% of fall admissions. Texas, New York, Washington, Illinois, and Florida were the next most represented states. This geographic diversity strengthens USC’s national reputation and enriches the student experience through a broader range of perspectives.
We aren’t able to provide you with details like the percentage of international students, low-income students, and the standardized test profile of this new class, which will be available once USC reveals it to the next edition of its Common Data Set.
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Factors Influencing the Acceptance Rate Increase
Several important elements appear to have contributed to the rise in USC’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2029
Enrollment Targets: USC has publicly announced that USC is required to admit a larger cohort of students to ensure the university meets its projected class sizes. This rejig allowed USC to balance its desired class size with yield management, accounting for the number of students who ultimately accept offers of admission. This strategy also helps avoid under-enrollment, which could otherwise impact campus spirit, their course offerings, and tuition revenue.
Budgetary Considerations: Several budget cuts and hiring freezes announced by the university show that it is navigating some significant financial challenges. These measures are directly attributed to uncertainties surrounding federal funding, increased operational costs, and economic pressures affecting higher education nationally. Given these issues, maintaining or slightly increasing enrollment becomes a practical solution to support financial stability. By admitting more students, USC can secure additional tuition income to offset potential budget shortfalls, helping to sustain its academic programs, research initiatives, and student services.
Standardized Testing
Under USC’s test-optional policy, applicants have the choice to decide whether they want their SAT or ACT scores to be considered as part of their application. When applying, students will be asked if they would like to provide test scores. If they choose to submit them, the university will wait to receive those scores before proceeding with the review. Students who opt not to submit SAT or ACT scores will not be disadvantaged in any way. This rule applies to international students as well. USC’s admission process has always been holistic, and the university is confident in its ability to identify student potential using the totality of what is presented to us, whether or not this includes test scores.
It is important to note that USC does not have an Early Decision round. It, however, has Early Action and Regular Decision rounds. But applying early does not give any applicant any benefit since the decision is non-binding.
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Why should you consider USC?
Located in Los Angeles, USC is highly ranked across a variety of fields — business, engineering (especially EE and CS), cinema, communications, journalism, international relations, and more. It’s especially known for interdisciplinary opportunities (like combining tech + business or arts + engineering). Students get incredible access to industries like entertainment, technology (Silicon Beach), biotech, aerospace, and startups. USC is also making major investments in AI, data science, sustainability, and health innovation — areas that are important for the future job market.
