When Do USC Decisions Come Out? Class of 2030 Notification Dates

You’ve submitted your application to the University of Southern California (USC)—and now the wait begins. Like many others, you’re probably keeping an eye on your USC Applicant Portal every day, wondering when USC decisions come out. 

As one of the most applied-to universities in the country, USC attracts thousands of applicants every year. From its world-renowned programs in film, business, and engineering to its vibrant campus in Los Angeles, it’s no surprise that so many students dream of joining the Trojan family.

Thus, having clarity about the timeline can make the process easier and help you plan. In this blog, we’ll walk through USC’s admissions decision schedule. We’ll cover key dates for Early Action, Regular Decision, waitlist updates, and transfer applicants. You’ll also get tips on what to do once your decision is released.

• When Does USC Release Decisions?
• When Do USC Early Action Decisions Come Out?
• When Do USC Regular Decisions Come Out?
• When Do USC Waitlist Decisions Come Out?
• When Do USC Transfer Decisions Come Out?
• What to Do After Receiving Your USC Admissions Decision
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

When Does USC Release Decisions?

USC releases Early Action decisions in mid-January and Regular Decision results by April 1. Applicants are notified through the USC Applicant Portal, and an email is sent once the decision is available. 

Here’s a quick table for when USC decisions come out:

USC follows this timeline for undergraduate admissions each year. Transfer and waitlisted applicants have separate timelines, which we’ll go over later in the blog.

When Do USC Early Action Decisions Come Out?

If you applied through USC’s Early Action (EA) plan, you’ll get your decision in mid-January. Here’s a closer look at the timeline for when USC decisions come out for EA:

All required application materials (essays, transcripts, recommendations) must be submitted by November 1 for EA. After that, USC reviews applications holistically.

EA decisions are posted in the USC Applicant Portal in January. If you’re admitted, you have until May 1 to confirm your enrollment. 

What is USC Early Action?

Early Action (EA) is non-binding, which means you can still apply to other colleges even if you choose this route. EA applicants receive priority consideration for USC merit scholarships. EA is available for most majors, but not for programs that require a portfolio or audition, such as architecture, dance, music, and cinematic arts. Those applicants must apply via Regular Decision.

Important note: USC offers Early Decision as a binding option only for students applying to the Marshall School of Business and the Leventhal School of Accounting.

USC Early Action results

When USC decisions come out for Early Action, you’ll receive one of three outcomes:

• Admit. You’re accepted early, but because EA is non-binding, you’re not required to commit immediately. You’ll have until May 1 to confirm your spot at USC.
• Defer. Your application has been moved into the Regular Decision pool for another round of review. You’ll then receive a final decision by April 1.
• Deny. Your application is closed for this cycle, and you cannot reapply in the same year.

USC releases Early Action notifications in mid-January through the Applicant Portal, and applicants are sent an email once their status is available.

USC Early Action acceptance rate

For the Class of 2029, 42,119 students applied through Early Action, and 3,524 were admitted, resulting in an EA acceptance rate of about 8.4%. Additionally, 41,369 students applied through Regular Decision, with 3,803 admitted, giving an RD acceptance rate of about 9.2%.

Taken together, USC received 83,488 applications and admitted 9,345 students for the Class of 2029, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of 10.4%—a notable increase from the 9.8% acceptance rate for the Class of 2028.

Although EA looks more selective, the applicant pool is full of high-achieving students with many seeking merit scholarship consideration. Both EA and RD remain very competitive, showing USC’s selectivity and strong appeal among applicants.

When Do USC Regular Decisions Come Out?

USC decisions come out by April 1 for Regular Decision applicants. Take a look at the timeline:

All Regular Decision materials are due by the January 10 deadline, unless you’re applying to a program that requires a portfolio or audition, which uses the earlier December 1 deadline. After this, USC’s admissions team reviews applications holistically, considering academics, activities, essays, and recommendations.

Regular Decision results are posted by April 1 in the USC Applicant Portal. Admitted students must confirm their place by May 1 (National College Decision Day).

What is the USC Regular Decision?

Regular Decision (RD) at USC is the standard, non-binding path most applicants follow. RD is a good fit if USC isn’t your only top choice or if you want time to compare admission and financial aid offers. Students who are accepted have until May 1 to confirm their spot.

In short, RD gives you extra months to finalize your application, consider your options, and still keep USC on your list.

USC Regular Decision results

When USC’s decisions come out, you can expect one of three outcomes:

• Admitted. If you’re accepted, congrats—you’ll join USC’s next first-year class. Admitted students have until May 1 to confirm enrollment. 
• Waitlisted. Your application was promising, but there wasn’t room in the initial round. USC may extend offers from the waitlist later if space opens; waitlist movement depends on how many admitted students accept their offers. 
• Denied. If you’re not admitted, your application is closed for this cycle. Many students in this position go on to excellent programs elsewhere or consider reapplying as transfers later.

USC Regular Decision acceptance rate

For the Class of 2029, USC received 41,369 Regular Decision applications and admitted 3,803 students, which resulted in a Regular Decision acceptance rate of about 9.2%.

By comparison, Early Action applicants faced a slightly lower admit rate. Out of 42,119 EA applications, only 3,524 students were admitted, producing an EA acceptance rate of about 8.4%.

This shows that while USC admits many students through Regular Decision, the Early Action pool remains highly competitive, especially since many EA applicants are also considered for merit scholarships. Overall, USC’s total acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 was 11.2%, up from 9.8% for the Class of 2028.

In short, Regular Decision offers a marginally higher acceptance rate, but Early Action continues to be a strong option for top students aiming for scholarships. At the end of the day, gaining admission to USC is highly competitive in every round.

When Do USC Waitlist Decisions Come Out?

Unlike many other top universities, USC does not maintain a waitlist for undergraduate admission. Instead, the university offers some applicants the chance to begin their studies in the spring semester (January start).

Students who accept this option may also be considered for fall admission if space becomes available. Here’s how the Spring Admission timeline typically works:

Because USC does not maintain a traditional waitlist, there’s no guarantee that additional fall spaces will open.  Instead, the spring admission option serves as the only alternate path, giving students a secure spot at USC while also leaving the possibility of a fall start if seats become available. 

When Do USC Transfer Decisions Come Out?

Transfer decisions are released later in the cycle, typically by June 1 for fall entry students. Here’s the full timeline for when USC transfer decisions come out:

Transfer applicants must submit the Common Application, along with official high school and college transcripts, a College Report, and any supplemental materials required by their major. 

Once submitted, applications are reviewed throughout the spring term, and decisions are posted in the USC Applicant Portal on May 31.

For the Class of 2029, USC reported that 10,827 transfer students applied and 2,929 were admitted, giving us a transfer acceptance rate of 27%. 

These figures show that the university is relatively more generous toward transfer students compared with first-year applicants, though the process is still highly competitive. 

Nevertheless, having a solid backup plan is always a smart move while waiting on your USC transfer decision.

What to Do After Receiving Your USC Admissions Decision

When USC decisions come out, here’s how to move forward based on the result:

If you’re admitted

Celebrate—this is a huge milestone! USC will provide instructions on how to confirm your spot, which typically involves submitting an enrollment deposit. Also, ensure your final high school transcript is sent to USC once your senior year grades are finalized.

If you’re admitted through spring admissions, carefully review the conditions of your offer, decide if the later start works for you, and submit your intent to enroll. Spring admits are fully USC students and join the university with the same opportunities once on campus.

If you’re deferred

USC will reconsider your application in the Regular Decision round. Use this time to submit an updated mid-year transcript, highlight any new achievements, and clearly express in your application portal or correspondence why USC remains your top choice. 

If you’re denied

Take some time to process your feelings. Rejection is tough, but not the end. Review your other admissions offers, compare financial aid, and identify which college will best support your growth.

Use your experience to refine your profile: consider transfers, strengthen your application, and explore all your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What time of day do USC decisions usually come out?

USC does not announce an exact release time for admissions decisions. Notifications are posted in the USC Applicant Portal, and students receive an email once their status is available.

In past years, decisions have typically appeared in the late afternoon or evening (Pacific Time), but the exact time can vary each cycle.

2. When does USC release Early Decision decisions?

USC does not offer an Early Decision plan. The university only has Early Action (non-binding) and Regular Decision. Early Action results are released in mid-January, while Regular Decision results come out by the end of March.

3. When does USC release Regular Decision results?

USC releases Regular Decision results by the end of March each year. To be considered, applicants must submit the application and all required materials by the January 15 deadline (or December 1 if applying for merit scholarship consideration or certain programs like arts and music). Admitted students must confirm enrollment by May 1.

4. Can I appeal if USC rejects my application?

Yes, but appeals are rarely successful. USC will only review appeals that include new, significant information, not just disagreement with the decision.

5. How does USC notify applicants of acceptance?

USC posts all admission decisions in the USC Applicant Portal.  When USC decisions come out, applicants receive an email letting them know their status is ready to view. Admitted students will also find detailed next steps in the portal, including how to submit the enrollment deposit and prepare for USC.

Takeaways

If you’ve been wondering when USC decisions come out, here are five key takeaways to keep in mind:

• USC Early Action decisions come out in mid- to late January. The application deadline is November 1, and EA is non-binding.
• USC Regular Decision notifications are released by April 1. Applications are due January 10 for most majors, or December 1 for portfolio/audition majors. Admitted students must reply by May 1.
• USC does not use a traditional waitlist. Instead, some applicants may be offered spring admission, with decisions shared alongside Regular Decision results by April 1.
• USC transfer decisions are typically released by May 31 for fall entry students, with some final updates arriving in mid-July if spring grades are requested.
• Working with a college admissions consultant can help you strengthen your USC application and boost your chances of success.