Bachelor Programme
Economics
USC Dornsife's BA in Economics combines economic theory with practical models and emphasises applied research in areas such as health care, law and the environment. Eight core courses cover principles of micro- and macroeconomics, calculus, intermediate theory, statistics for economists, econometrics and a computing elective, followed by four upper-division electives such as neuroeconomics, games and economics, or economic analysis of law. A progressive BA/MS can be finished in five and a half years. Students apply through the Common App to USC, choosing this major in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
University
University of Southern California
Country
United States
Level
Bachelor
Field
Economics
Duration
4 years full-time (8 semesters)
Language
English
Campus
University Park Campus (Los Angeles)
Degree
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics
Intake
Fall (August, University Park Campus, Los Angeles). Students cannot apply for spring, but USC offers spring-semester admission to about 500 fall applicants each year, and they may move to fall only if space opens
Application Deadline
Fall 2027 entry (first-year applicants, Common App, US$85 fee or waiver): Early Decision closes 1 November 2026 (binding; admission or deferral to Regular Decision by mid-December 2026). Early Action closes 1 November 2026 (non-binding and non-restrictive; admission or deferral in late January 2027). Regular Decision closes 10 January 2027 (decisions by 1 April 2027). Applying by 1 November is required for USC Merit Scholarship consideration. Need-based aid (FAFSA and CSS Profile) is due 1 November 2026 (ED), 15 November 2026 (EA) or 3 February 2027 (RD)
Tuition Information
2026-27 tuition: US$75,384 for two semesters (12-18 units a semester), the same for California residents, out-of-state and international students. USC's 2026-27 estimated cost of attendance for an undergraduate living on campus is US$103,162: tuition, fees (US$1,952), housing (US$13,510), food (US$8,442), books and supplies (US$670), transportation (US$1,188) and personal expenses (US$2,016), plus a one-time US$450 new-student fee in the first semester. Some majors cost more because of lab or studio fees. US citizens and eligible non-citizens apply for need-based aid with the FAFSA and CSS Profile. International students cannot get need-based aid and must document funds for the full first-year cost, but they are eligible for USC Merit Scholarships, none of which covers the full cost of attendance
Admission Requirements
- School: USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Applicants choose the major (with first- and second-choice options) on the Common App and are admitted to that school
- Testing: test-optional for Fall 2027 entry (the 2027-28 academic year), with no penalty for applying without SAT or ACT scores. Applicants who do submit scores must have them sent officially by the testing agency (self-reported scores are not accepted). USC records the highest score for each section across sittings
- English proficiency (international applicants whose native language is not English; no waivers): USC's recommended minimums are TOEFL iBT 100 with at least 20 in each section (tests before 21 January 2026) or 5 with at least 4 in each section (tests from 21 January 2026), IELTS 7, C1 Advanced 185 (at least 169 in each skill), PTE Academic 68, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 650, or ACT English 27. Applicants below these scores can still be admitted, but at lower rates; admitted students average above TOEFL 111. The Duolingo English Test (minimum 130) is accepted only from applicants who cannot sit an approved exam, and Duolingo-only admits take USC's International Student Exam on arrival
- One letter of recommendation from a school counselor or a teacher is required, along with transcripts and fall grades. International applicants also submit the Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support. USC Admission does not hold evaluative interviews or track demonstrated interest
- No portfolio or audition is required for this major