The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States, known for its diverse academic programs and rigorous academic schedule. Keeping track of the academic calendar is crucial for students, faculty, and staff to plan their studies, vacations, and administrative tasks efficiently. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the USC academic calendar 2025-2026, including key dates for the fall, spring, and summer semesters, important registration deadlines, holidays, and final exam schedules.
USC Academic Calendar 2025-2026: Key Highlights
- Fall Semester 2025: Begins on August 25, 2025, and ends on December 17, 2025.
- Spring Semester 2026: Starts on January 12, 2026, and concludes on May 15, 2026.
- Summer Session 2026: Runs from May 20, 2026, to August 11, 2026.
- Major holidays include Labor Day, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, and Independence Day.
- Important deadlines for registration, drop/add courses, and tuition payments.
- Final exams and graduation schedules for each term.
University of Southern California (USC) Academic Calendar 2025-2026: Important Dates & Deadlines
1. USC Academic Calendar: Fall 2024
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Open Registration | Aug 19-23, 2024 |
| Move-In | Aug 21, 2024 |
| Classes Begin | Aug 26, 2024 |
| Labor Day Holiday | Sep 2, 2024 |
| Fall Recess | Oct 10-11, 2024 |
| Veterans Day | Nov 11, 2024 |
| Thanksgiving Break | Nov 27-Dec 1, 2024 |
| Classes End | Dec 6, 2024 |
| Study Days | Dec 7-10, 2024 |
| Final Exams | Dec 11-18, 2024 |
| Winter Recess | Dec 19, 2024 – Jan 12, 2025 |
2. USC Academic Calendar: Spring 2025
| Event | Date |
| Open Registration | Jan 9-10, 2025 |
| Classes Begin | Jan 13, 2025 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Jan 20, 2025 |
| Presidents’ Day Holiday | Feb 17, 2025 |
| Spring Recess | Mar 16-23, 2025 |
| Classes End | May 2, 2025 |
| Study Days | May 3-6, 2025 |
| Final Exams | May 7-14, 2025 |
| Commencement | May 14-17, 2025 |
3. USC Academic Calendar: Summer 2025
| Event | Date |
| Registration | May 19-20, 2025 |
| Classes Begin | May 21, 2025 |
| Memorial Day Holiday | May 26, 2025 |
| Juneteenth Holiday | Jun 19, 2025 |
| Independence Day | Jul 4, 2025 |
| Classes End | Aug 12, 2025 |
4. USC Academic Holidays and Breaks 2025-2026
The USC academic calendar includes several holidays and breaks throughout the year:
- Thanksgiving Break: November 26-30, 2025
- Winter Recess: December 18, 2025 – January 11, 2026
- Spring Break: March 15-22, 2026
- Public Holidays: Labor Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, and Independence Day.
5. Registration, Fees, and Enrollment Deadlines
Students must be aware of the following key deadlines:
- Open Registration Periods for each semester.
- Tuition Payment Deadlines to avoid penalties.
- Drop/Add Deadlines for course adjustments.
- Financial Aid & Scholarship Deadlines.
6. USC Final Exams and Graduation Dates 2025-2026
| Semester | Final Exams Period | Graduation Date |
| Fall 2025 | Dec 10-17, 2025 | TBD |
| Spring 2026 | May 6-13, 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | Aug 5-11, 2026 | TBD |
7. How to Access the Official USC Academic Calendar
For the latest updates and official details, students should visit:
- USC’s Official Academic Calendar Page
- USC Registrar’s Office
- Student Services Portal for personalized schedules.
Staying informed about the USC Academic Calendar 2025-2026 is essential for students to plan their coursework, vacations, and academic activities efficiently. Bookmark this page and regularly check USC’s website for any updates or changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long is summer break in a USA university?
Summer break in most U.S. universities, including USC, typically lasts around three months, from May to August. However, many universities, including USC, offer summer sessions for students who want to take additional courses.
2. What is USC tuition per semester?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the estimated undergraduate tuition at USC is around $32,500 per semester. However, tuition may vary depending on specific programs, graduate studies, and additional fees. It’s best to check the official USC website for the latest updates.
3. What month do USC students graduate?
USC students typically graduate in May, following the spring semester final exams. The commencement ceremony is usually held in mid-May.
4. How much does USC cost for international students?
For international students, the total estimated cost of attendance at USC, including tuition, housing, food, and other expenses, can exceed $90,000 per year. Tuition rates remain the same as domestic students, but international students should also budget for visa-related costs and travel expenses.
5. Is USC a big or small school?
USC is considered a large private university, with an enrollment of over 49,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
6. Does USC have Saturday classes?
Yes, USC does offer Saturday classes, especially for graduate and professional programs. Some weekend courses are also available for continuing education or special certification programs.
7. What month is spring break in California?
Spring break in California universities, including USC, usually falls in March. At USC, the Spring Recess for 2025 is scheduled from March 16 to March 23.
8. How many international students are at USC?
USC has a large international student population, with over 12,000 international students from more than 130 countries, making up about 23% of the total student body.
9. How long are USC classes?
USC class lengths vary based on the course type:
- Lectures: Usually 50 minutes (3 times per week) or 80 minutes (twice a week)
- Labs & Workshops: Can last 2-4 hours depending on the subject
- Graduate Seminars: Typically 2-3 hours per session
10. Is USC housing per semester or year?
USC on-campus housing is charged per semester. Students must renew their housing contracts for each academic year. The cost varies depending on room type and meal plan selection.