Transferring to USC
University of Southern California admitted 27.1% of its transfer applicants for fall 2025: 2,929 of 10,827. Its deadlines and course rules differ from UC and CSU, so plan for it separately.
Checked against each university’s own pages and Common Data Set in October 2026.
Admission numbers
- Fall 2025 admit rate
- 27.1%
- Transfer applicants
- 10,827
- Transfers enrolled
- 1,544
- ADT admission guarantee
- Not stated
| Term | Applicants | Admits | Admit rate | Enrolled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | 10,827 | 2,929 | 27.1% | 1,544 |
From Common Data Set 2025-2026, D2. Counts cover all transfer applicants.
USC's transfer profile for the fall 2024 entering class reports a middle-50% transferable college GPA of 3.73 to 4.00 for admitted transfers. Admitted transfers had a middle-50% range of 30 to 56 transferable semester units.
Application dates
| Date | What |
|---|---|
| December 1, 2026 | Fall 2027 transfer deadline for certain visual and performing arts BFA programs, the Kaufman School of Dance and the Thornton School of Music. Applications go through the Common App for Transfer. |
| February 15, 2027 | Fall 2027 transfer application deadline for all other majors, submitted through the Common App for Transfer. |
| March 2, 2027 | Priority filing date for the FAFSA and CSS Profile for need-based aid. California residents should also apply for a Cal Grant by this date. |
What you need
- USC has no minimum number of transfer units for fall 2027. Applicants with fewer than 30 transferable semester units by the end of spring are evaluated largely on their high school record and any SAT or ACT scores. Source
- California community college applicants should complete the equivalent of USC's Writing 130. WRIT 340 must be taken at USC. Source
- Applicants need a C or better in high school Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II, or a C or better in college Intermediate Algebra. Many majors require additional math. Source
- USC expects at least one year of rigorous full-time college coursework by the end of spring term. Fall grades must be posted before college transcripts are sent. Source
- Some majors require additional lower-division coursework. USC lists it in its Additional Coursework by Major document. Source
- SAT and ACT scores are not required for 2027-2028 applicants but may be submitted. Source
ADT pathway
USC's transfer admission page for 2027 applicants does not mention the ADT or the AICCU ADT Commitment. No ADT admission guarantee was found for USC.
Scholarships and aid
- Transfer applicants seeking need-based aid must submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile by March 2, 2027. Source
- USC's 2025-2026 scholarship guide ties the length of a transfer student's merit award to transferable units. Students with 30 to 47 units can receive up to 6 semesters, 48 to 63 units up to 5 semesters, and 64 or more units up to 4 semesters. Source
More from USC
- USC admits transfers for fall and spring terms, according to its Common Data Set 2025-2026. Source
- Transfer students must complete at least 64 units in residence at USC. Exceptions include 80 units for the Bachelor of Architecture and 48 units for the Engineering 3+2 program. Source
- Fall 2027 regular decisions are released in late May. Some applicants are instead asked for spring grades and receive a decision by mid-July. Source
- After enrolling, students must take fall and spring courses at USC. Courses at other institutions are allowed only in summer, with limits. Source
- In the fall 2024 entering class, 55% of new transfer students came from California community colleges. Santa Monica College sent the most with 129 students. Source
- USC accepts up to 32 units of AP, IB and other exam credit. Source
Official links
- USC transfer admissionadmission.usc.edu
Other private universities
Questions
What is USC’s transfer acceptance rate?
27.1% for fall 2025: 2,929 admitted of 10,827 transfer applicants, from the Common Data Set 2025-2026, D2.
What GPA do you need to transfer to USC?
USC's transfer profile for the fall 2024 entering class reports a middle-50% transferable college GPA of 3.73 to 4.00 for admitted transfers. Admitted transfers had a middle-50% range of 30 to 56 transferable semester units.
When is the USC transfer deadline for fall 2027?
Fall 2027 transfer deadline for certain visual and performing arts BFA programs, the Kaufman School of Dance and the Thornton School of Music. Applications go through the Common App for Transfer.: December 1, 2026. Fall 2027 transfer application deadline for all other majors, submitted through the Common App for Transfer.: February 15, 2027. Priority filing date for the FAFSA and CSS Profile for need-based aid. California residents should also apply for a Cal Grant by this date.: March 2, 2027.
Does USC guarantee admission with an ADT?
USC's transfer admission page for 2027 applicants does not mention the ADT or the AICCU ADT Commitment. No ADT admission guarantee was found for USC.