Study in University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Overview for International Students
USC is the largest private research university in California, located in Los Angeles. With 29% international students and the top-ranked film school in the US, USC is the premier destination for international students in entertainment, media, and communications - alongside strong programs in engineering and business.
- 29% international students - one of the highest rates in US private universities
- #2 film school in the US (School of Cinematic Arts)
- Located in LA - entertainment industry internships accessible from campus
- Strong Viterbi School of Engineering for STEM OPT pathways
- Trojan alumni network: one of the most active alumni communities in the US
- Marshall School of Business top-ranked for finance and entrepreneurship
Who Thrives at USC?
USC has a split personality that works in your favor if you understand it. The Viterbi School of Engineering is a serious STEM program with strong tech industry placement. The Marshall School of Business feeds finance, consulting, and LA's entertainment economy. And the School of Cinematic Arts is, simply, where the film industry is trained. The campus culture skews toward the ambitious and the connected - USC alumni ('the Trojan network') are infamously loyal to one another in career contexts. For international students wanting to enter Hollywood or LA's entertainment tech scene (streaming, gaming, social media), USC is the only logical choice.
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Top Employers Who Hire from USC
Cost Summary (Annual)
Estimates for 2025–26 academic year. Actual costs vary. Check university website for current figures.