The USC Marshall School of Business is one of the most recognized and respected business schools in the United States. As part of the University of Southern California, a private research university in Los Angeles, Marshall delivers top-tier education, global business exposure, and elite career placement. In this comprehensive article, we answer important questions such as “How hard is it to get into USC Marshall?”, “How prestigious is USC Marshall?”, “What is the minimum GPA for USC Marshall?”, and clarify whether “Marshall University is a good university”—two distinct institutions often confused due to similar names.
How Hard is it to Get into USC Marshall?
Highly Competitive Admissions Process
Admission to USC Marshall is highly selective, whether you’re applying to the undergraduate business program or the highly regarded Marshall MBA.
Undergraduate Admissions (BS in Business Administration)
- Acceptance Rate: USC overall has an undergraduate acceptance rate of about 10-12%. For the Marshall School of Business, the rate is slightly lower, given its popularity and competitiveness.
- Academic Profile:
- Average GPA: 3.7–4.0 (unweighted vs. weighted)
- SAT: 1440–1530
- ACT: 32–35
- Applicants are expected to have rigorous coursework, including AP, IB, or honors classes, along with strong extracurricular achievements and leadership roles.
MBA Admissions
For the Marshall Full-Time MBA, here are the key statistics:
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 20-25%
- Average GMAT Score: 707
- Average GPA: 3.58
- Average Work Experience: 5 years
- Required materials include:
- GMAT or GRE scores
- Resume
- Personal statement and essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Interview (by invitation)
What Makes a Strong Applicant?
Marshall looks for candidates who are:
- Leadership-driven
- Collaborative and community-focused
- Interested in innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and global business
How Prestigious is USC Marshall?
National and Global Recognition
The Marshall School of Business is widely recognized for its excellence in both undergraduate and graduate business education. Rankings include:
- Top 20 MBA programs in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report)
- Top 10 in entrepreneurship and marketing
- Among the Top 5 undergraduate business schools on the West Coast
Affiliation with USC
As part of the University of Southern California, Marshall benefits from USC’s:
- Powerful alumni network of over 480,000 Trojans worldwide
- Reputation for academic rigor, innovation, and global impact
- Strategic location in Los Angeles, a hub for media, tech, and international business
Notable Marshall Alumni
Marshall alumni occupy leadership positions in major firms such as:
- Goldman Sachs
- Disney
- Ernst & Young
- Tesla
The prestige of USC Marshall is also bolstered by its global partnerships, cutting-edge research centers, and entrepreneurial ecosystem through the Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies.
What is the Minimum GPA for USC Marshall?
No Fixed Minimum—but Standards Are High
USC Marshall does not publish a strict minimum GPA, but competitive applicants should aim for:
- Undergraduate Program: At least 3.7 unweighted, with an upward trend or strong context
- MBA Program: While the average is 3.58, candidates with a GPA above 3.3 and strong professional achievements can be competitive
Holistic Admissions Review
Marshall uses a holistic evaluation process. A lower GPA can be offset by:
- Exceptional GMAT/GRE scores
- Significant work experience
- Demonstrated leadership or entrepreneurial accomplishments
- Strong letters of recommendation and essays
Transfer Students
For students looking to transfer into Marshall:
- A minimum GPA of 3.6+ is recommended
- Prerequisites include coursework in calculus, microeconomics, writing, and statistics
Is Marshall University a Good University?
This is a common point of confusion: Marshall University and USC Marshall School of Business are completely different institutions.
Marshall University
- Located in Huntington, West Virginia
- A public research university
- Offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs
- Known for strong programs in health sciences, education, and liberal arts
Marshall University is a good regional university, but it does not carry the same level of prestige, selectivity, or global recognition as USC or its business school.
USC Marshall School of Business
- Part of the University of Southern California
- Located in Los Angeles, California
- Globally ranked business school with elite alumni and employer connections
- Focuses on global leadership, innovation, and analytics
Why Choose USC Marshall?
Location Advantage
Situated in Los Angeles, students benefit from access to:
- A booming startup ecosystem
- Leading companies in tech, entertainment, real estate, and finance
- Year-round networking events, speaker series, and company visits
Global Programs
Marshall offers numerous global immersion experiences, such as:
- International Exchange Programs
- Global Social Impact Projects
- Study Abroad opportunities
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Marshall students can engage with:
- USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering, Annenberg School for Communication, and the Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy
- Top-ranked Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
- The Lloyd Greif Incubator Program and startup pitch competitions
Career Services
Marshall’s Graduate Career Services is a powerful resource with:
- Personalized coaching
- Access to top-tier recruiters
- Alumni mentorship programs
Cost of Attendance and ROI
Tuition for Marshall MBA (2024–2025)
- Estimated tuition: $68,000/year (Total: ~$136,000 for two years)
- Other Costs: $25,000/year (housing, books, travel, insurance)
Financial Aid
Marshall offers:
- Merit-based fellowships
- Graduate assistantships
- Access to federal and private loans
Return on Investment
Graduates report:
- Average salary + bonus: Over $145,000
- 90%+ employment within 90 days of graduation
