Resources for Parents and Families 

Thank you for your interest in the University of Southern California! As parents and family members, you are an essential part of your student’s college journey. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with our resources and review them with your student. Discussing their options and planning now for their education will help ensure a smooth transition to college life for both you and your student.

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the University of Southern California is a world-class private research institution that offers its students opportunities unmatched anywhere else. 

USC’s interdisciplinary approach to education allows students to pursue unique double majors or major-minor combinations across our 17 academic and professional schools. And with more than 150 majors and over 250 minors to choose from, USC students can pursue their goals and interests in nearly every field imaginable. 

The USC student body comprises 21,000+ undergraduates from all 50 states and 130+ countries. Students from a variety of backgrounds can find their home away from home and chart a successful path to realizing their dreams and goals. 

Prepare for College 

You and your student should review their current academic schedule and extracurricular activities to ensure that they are well-prepared for a rigorous college curriculum.

Plan a College Visit 

The best way to determine if a college or university will be the right fit for your student is by visiting the campus in person. Prospective USC students and their parents have a variety of options for tours and information sessions.

Stay on Top of Deadlines 

To be considered for admission, undergraduate students must apply by one of the following deadlines. All students applying by November 1 or December 1 will be considered for available USC Admission Merit Scholarships. 

November 1: Early Action/Early Decision application deadline.
December 1: Regular Decision deadline for talent-based majors.
January 10: Final application deadline for all majors and programs. 

For more details, please visit our Dates and Deadlines page. 

Submit the Common App by the Appropriate Deadline 

Students applying to USC need to submit the Common App by the appropriate deadline, along with the application fee (or a request for a fee waiver). 

Please note that the application will contain several sections that are unique to USC. Please visit our Admission Blog or keep an eye out for emails from the USC Admission Office for tips and tricks on how to approach these sections. 

Students applying to majors that require portfolios or auditions will need to submit additional materials.  

Take Note of the USC Student ID Number 

Each student who applies to USC is assigned a permanent ten-digit ID number to be used throughout their time at the university. This number should be included in all communications with the Offices of Admission and Financial Aid.

Watch Your Email for Updates 

You and your student may receive occasional email updates from the Offices of Admission and Financial Aid. In some cases, we may request additional documentation or information, which should be provided promptly (within 10 business days for Financial Aid matters). 

Apply for Financial Aid 

USC offers a robust financial aid program that includes federal, state, and university aid. We meet 100 percent of USC-determined need for all U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Families must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile to be considered for need-based aid. 

Students whose families earn less than $80,000 a year (with typical assets) may be eligible to attend USC tuition-free.  

Parents may also wish to consider a number of tuition payment and prepayment options. Please visit our Parents’ Guide to Financial Aid for details. 

Your student can track the status of their financial aid application, submit documents, and invite you to complete required forms via our Financial Aid Summary & Tasks (FAST) portal. 

Stay Connected 

Your student will receive important updates, including their final admission decision, via their USC Applicant Portal. Admission decisions are released throughout early spring, into the summer, depending on your student’s class level (prospective first-year or transfer student) and the deadline by which they applied. 

Be sure to follow us online through our Admission Blog and Instagram, X, YouTube, and Facebook channels for tips, tricks and advice, as well as insights from current staff and students into the USC experience.  

• Email: askUSC 

• Phone: +1 (213) 740-1111 

• USC Admission Blog 

• USC Parents and Families Page  

These programs are open to all eligible individuals. The USC Office of Undergraduate Admission operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.