Top PrivateLA Location#1 Film School

USC for Indian Students

Los Angeles, California, USA

One of America's most prominent private universities. Marshall Business, Viterbi Engineering, Annenberg Communication, and the world's top Cinematic Arts program. Powerful alumni network across Silicon Valley, Hollywood, and consulting. Compare with UCLA and NYU.

Top 25

US Ranking

#1

Film School

LA

Industry Access

90+

Students Guided

Undergraduate (Test-Optional) Masters (CS, Engineering, Film) MBA (Marshall School)

What Makes USC Different

LA Industry Access + Trojan Network

USC's alumni network is exceptionally powerful across tech, entertainment, consulting, and startups. LA provides direct access to Silicon Beach tech companies, Hollywood, healthcare, biotech, and venture networks. Students who actively use this ecosystem see stronger career outcomes than ranking alone would suggest.

School-Based Excellence

Marshall (Business), Viterbi (Engineering), Annenberg (Communication), Cinematic Arts (world's #1 film school). Each school has its own strength, selectivity, and career pipeline.

Private University Advantage

Smaller classes than public UC schools, personalized attention, strong campus community, and residential experience. Accepts Common App with supplemental essays.

Dr. Karan Gupta's tip: USC is often underestimated by Indian applicants who compare only rankings. In reality, the location advantage is massive, the alumni network influence is powerful, and industry access in LA is exceptional. Talk to us.

USC Admission Requirements

Undergraduate

  • Strong grades (CBSE, ISC, IB, Cambridge)
  • SAT/ACT test-optional (strong scores help)
  • Common App + USC supplemental essays
  • Competitive for CS, Business, Engineering, Film, Communication

Masters

  • CS & Software Engineering
  • Data Science, Engineering, Finance
  • Communication, Film, Public Policy

MBA (Marshall School of Business)

  • Strong West Coast corporate access
  • Entrepreneurship ecosystem
  • Consulting & tech recruitment

Costs & Budget (International Students)

Tuition & Living

  • Undergraduate: ~$68,000–$72,000/year
  • Master's: ~$40,000–$75,000/year (program-dependent)
  • MBA: ~$135,000–$150,000 total (Marshall, 2-year)
  • Living costs: ~$1,600–$2,400/month | ~$20,000–$30,000/year
  • Total estimated annual budget: ~$88,000–$102,000/year (tuition + LA living)
  • Approximate for recent intake cycles — Study in USA | Cost Calculator

Scholarships

  • UG: Merit scholarships available but competitive
  • Graduate: Funding varies; limited for professional programs
  • MBA: Marshall merit-based scholarships
  • Read: Scholarships Guide | Education Loans

KGC Students at USC

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Nazim Pethani

USC

Before taking up KGC, I had no idea as to what I was supposed to do. Taking up KGC was the best thing I've done. It was very helpful and I was guided throughout.

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Paulose Simon Puthanangady

USC

Karan Gupta Consulting has been one of the best choices I made. I am really impressed with the personal attention that was given to me during the entire process.

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P

Punit Das

USC

I have had spectacularly helpful experience from Karan Gupta and his knowledgeable staff both times — first for my undergrad in Architecture Engineering and then for graduate studies.

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FAQs

Does USC accept CBSE/ISC students?
Yes. Strong academics and extracurricular profile are important. USC evaluates academic strength, initiative, leadership, and career clarity.
Is SAT required for USC?
Currently test-optional, but strong SAT/ACT scores help strengthen applications, especially for competitive programs like Marshall Business and Viterbi Engineering.
Is USC expensive?
Yes — ~$68,000-$72,000/year UG tuition, comparable to other top US private universities. Total annual budget including LA living: ~$88,000-$102,000.
Is USC strong for tech and business careers?
Yes. Location advantage in LA is massive, alumni network influence is powerful across Silicon Valley, Hollywood, consulting, and startups. Industry access is exceptional.
How does USC compare to UCLA?
Both are top LA universities. USC is private (higher tuition, smaller classes, stronger alumni network). UCLA is public (test-blind, UC application, larger campus). USC has Marshall/Viterbi/Cinematic Arts; UCLA has Anderson/Engineering/Film school. Choose based on program fit and financial situation.

Want to Study at USC?

Dr. Karan Gupta has guided 90+ students to USC and other top US universities.

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