When I first saw the tuition for USC, I honestly thought, "Am I really going to pay this much to attend college?" I knew that college tuition in the U.S. was expensive, but USC (University of Southern California) is one of the most prestigious private universities out there.

Interestingly, despite the high tuition, every year, outstanding students from around the world flock to this university.

The reason is simple. It's not just about the diploma; it's about the opportunities that come afterward, thanks to the university's extensive network.

USC is the oldest private university in California, established in 1880.

The main campus is located in LA's University Park, and it takes about 30 to 40 minutes from San Fernando using I-5 South, depending on traffic. Along with UCLA, it is considered one of the top universities in LA, and opinions on which school is better can be as divided as those cheering for basketball teams.

USC shines particularly in certain majors. The Marshall School of Business is ranked among the best business schools in the U.S., and the Viterbi School of Engineering boasts a very high employment rate for graduates.

The Gould School of Law is also highly regarded in the western region, and above all, the School of Cinematic Arts is recognized as one of the best in the world for film and media. Thanks to its direct connections to Hollywood and its alumni network, it is often referred to as a 'dream school' for students aspiring to be directors, producers, or actors.

Now, let's take a look at the tuition, which is probably the most curious aspect. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the undergraduate tuition is approximately $73,000 per year. When you include dormitory and meal costs, student fees, health insurance, and textbook expenses, the total cost of attendance is around $100,000 per year.

In our currency, that translates to over 130 million won per year. Simply put, if you attend for four years, the total cost could reach $400,000, which could exceed 500 million won depending on the exchange rate. So, the phrase "one of the most expensive universities in the U.S." is not without reason.

However, there is an important point to note. While USC has high tuition, it also offers some of the best financial aid in the country.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply for federal student aid through FAFSA, and depending on their income level, they may qualify for federal grants like the Pell Grant. The Pell Grant is a non-repayable grant, and if eligible, students can receive thousands of dollars annually.

USC also offers a variety of scholarships. The Merit Scholarship is awarded based on academic performance and activities, while the Trustee Scholarship covers full tuition, and the Presidential Scholarship covers about half of the tuition. Additionally, there are Dean's Scholarships and various foundation scholarships available. Furthermore, need-based financial aid is provided very actively, so not all students pay the full tuition as it appears. In fact, many students from families with income below a certain level receive significant tuition support, greatly reducing their financial burden.

Many Korean students also choose USC. Some enter directly as freshmen from Korea, while others transfer from California community colleges. Various exchange activities are conducted around the Korean Student Association, and many alumni are active in large Korean companies, startups, finance, and the entertainment industry.

And when talking about USC, one cannot overlook the 'Trojan Network.' In LA, there is a saying that "USC graduates help each other out," reflecting the strong bond among alumni. Especially in the fields of entertainment, media, startups, finance, and real estate, this network is often cited as a real asset for employment and business opportunities.

Ultimately, when looking solely at tuition, USC is indeed a shockingly expensive university. However, when considering its world-class education, powerful alumni network, and abundant scholarships and financial aid, many students understand why it is said to be "expensive but worth it." This is why countless students continue to strive to shout 'Fight On!'—the symbol of USC—through fierce competition.