- About
About USC Gould
USC Gould is a top-ranked law school with a 120-year history and reputation for academic excellence. We are located on the beautiful 228-acre USC University Park Campus, just south of downtown Los Angeles.
- Academics
Academics
Learn about our interdisciplinary curriculum, experiential learning opportunities and specialized areas.
Student Quick Links:
- Admissions
Admissions
USC Gould helps prepare you for a stellar legal career. You can pursue a JD degree, one of our numerous graduate and international offerings, or an online degree or certificate.
- Students
Students
Participate in an unparalleled learning experience with diversity of people and thought. Get involved in the law school community and participate in activities that enhance your studies.
Student Quick Links:
- Careers
Careers
We work closely with students, graduates and employers to support successful career goals and outcomes. Our overall placement rate is consistently strong, with 94 percent of our JD class employed within 10 months after graduation.
- Faculty
Faculty
Our faculty is distinguished for its scholarship, as well as for its commitment to teaching. Our 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio creates an intimate and collegial learning environment.
- Alumni and Giving
- Admissions

Cost & Value - Juris Doctor (JD)
USC Gould School of Law
- JURIS DOCTOR (JD) DEGREE
- + CURRICULUM
- CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
- JD DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
- COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
- CLASS RANK AND GRADING
- CERTIFICATES
- CLINICS AND PRACTICUMS
- DUAL DEGREES
- STUDY ABROAD
- DATES AND DEADLINES
- CLASS PROFILE
- + TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID
- COST OF ATTENDANCE
- COST AND VALUE
- FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES
- FRANK ROTHMAN SCHOLARS
- PUBLIC INTEREST SCHOLARS
- HONORS SCHOLARS
- FIRST GENERATION PROFESSIONALS
- LOAN REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LRAP)
- EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
- RECRUITMENT EVENTS
- APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
- + ALTERNATE ADMISSIONS PATHS
- TRANSFER STUDENTS
- VISITING STUDENTS
- HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION
- ABA REQUIRED DISCLOSURES
- PRIVACY POLICY
- CONTACT US
Value of a USC Education
The university prides itself on creating a high-touch environment that ensures all students have access to the world's best faculty; academic programs that prepare them for the 21st century; high-value internships and career services; and an exceptional residential college experience.
According to the 2020 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education survey of more than 800 U.S. colleges and universities, USC ranks 18th nationally and third among the 150 universities surveyed in the western United States.
USC Gould currently ranks 18th according to the U.S. News & World Report survey of 198 law schools, and was 4th in diversity among top 20 law schools for the U S. News & World Report Diversity Index listing. In addition, USC Gould ranked 16th in the National Law Journal's 2020 list of Go-To Law Schools.
Tuition
USC tuition increases (including USC Gould) are at a five-year average low. Over the last six years, the rise of the average net price of a USC education, adjusted for inflation, was just 1 percent. For USC Gould, the low average rise in net price combined with generous merit-based scholarship offerings equated to a net tuition of $30,194 for the class that began Fall 2020.
Financial Aid
USC Gould's increases in scholarship support have consistently outpaced increases in tuition in the past decade. Specifically, Gould's financial aid has increased by 2:1 over the increase in tuition. Nearly all of USC Gould students receive some form of scholarship assistance. A March 2020 article in The National Jurist magazine reported that from 2016 to 2019, the average student loan debt for Gould students decreased by 12%. This is a direct result of the increase in scholarship support.
Supporting Access for Students from Diverse Backgrounds
The law school's need-blind admission process helps identify the best students, regardless of their ability to pay. This helps increase access to the university for students from all backgrounds:
- more than 40 percent are underrepresented minorities;
- 10+ percent come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds; and
- 10+ percent of the law student body are "first-gen," the first in their family to attend college.
USC is among the leading private universities in its generous support for these groups of students.
NEXT STEPS
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Apply Now
Start the online application process.
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Take a Tour
Come experience life at USC Gould.
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Visit Us
Meet the community of USC Gould.
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Request More Information
Download or request a copy of our informative viewbook by postal mail.
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Check Application Status
Check your application status online.
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Student Ambassadors
Meet your JD student ambassadors.
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Admitted Students Portal
Log in to our admitted students portal.
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Contact Us
Still have questions? Let us help.