Economics (BA) at University of Southern California

Programme overview

The Economics BA combines a core of intermediate theory and quantitative courses with economics electives.

Study mode: full-time | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

Required courses are ECON 203, ECON 205, ECON 303, ECON 305, ECON 317 and ECON 318 plus four electives at the 300 level or above (at least two at the 400 level or higher). A grade of C or better is required in ECON 303, 305, 317 and 318. MATH 118gx or MATH 125 and a two-unit computing course are also required.

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Application information

Entry requirements

A grade of C (2.0) or better is required in ECON 303, ECON 305, ECON 317 and ECON 318; MATH 118gx or MATH 125 is required for the major.

USD 75,384 a year (2026-27). Estimated undergraduate tuition for two semesters (12-18 units per semester), the USC rate for full-time undergraduates; excludes fees ($1,952), housing, food, books and the $450 new student fee. The same tuition applies to in-state and out-of-state resid Source

First-year students enter in the fall semester; applicants can apply Early Decision (binding), Early Action or Regular Decision.

First-year deadlines for 2027 entry: Early Decision (most majors) November 1; Early Action (most majors) November 1; Regular Decision for performing arts majors (Dance, Dramatic Arts, Thornton Music) December 1; Regular Decision for most majors January 10. Early Decision applicants are notified by mid-December, Early Action in late January and Regular Decision by April 1.

Applications are made through the Common Application; the undergraduate application fee is $85 for all applicants, with fee waivers available except to international students. SAT/ACT scores are optional (test-optional); USC school code is SAT 4852 and ACT 0470.

Transfer applications for 2027-28: December 1, 2026 for selected programmes and February 15, 2027 for all other majors; SAT/ACT scores are not required for transfer applicants.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.usc.edu/

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