University of Southern California - Los Angeles PA Program: Requirements, Tuition & Stats

• Middle-of-the-pack GPA — The average accepted overall GPA (3.53) is close to the national middle, so a solid-but-not-spectacular academic record is genuinely competitive here.

• The minimum is not the target — The stated minimum GPA is 3, but the average accepted is 3.53 — a gap of 0.53. Meeting the floor gets you screened in, not admitted.

• Experience-heavy — A 1,000-hour patient care minimum is at or above the national 75th percentile. Plan on a year or more of full-time work before you apply.

• Longer runway — At 33 months, this is a longer program than average. Check whether the extra time buys a dual degree, a bridge/undergraduate component, or additional clinical time.

• Higher cost — In-state tuition of $196,112 is in the most expensive quarter nationally. Worth weighing against your expected starting salary and loan burden.

• Apply early — Admissions are rolling, so seats come off the board as the cycle goes. An application submitted in the first few weeks is worth more than the same application submitted in month four.

University of Southern California - Los Angeles is located in California. The details below come straight from the program and are re-checked on a rolling basis.

At a glance

• Location: California

• Institution type: Private

• Program length: 33 months

• Class size: 60 students

• Start month: August

• Application deadline: September

• Rolling admissions: Yes

• In-state tuition: $196,112

• Average overall GPA: 3.53

• Average science GPA: 3.42

• Minimum overall GPA: 3

• Minimum science GPA: 3

• Minimum PCE hours: 1,000 hours

• Letters of recommendation: 2

• First-time PANCE pass rate: 92%

• Accreditation status: Continued

Admission requirements

• GRE: Optional

• PA-CAT: No

• TOEFL (international applicants): Yes

• Supplemental application: Yes (fee $55)

• Shadowing: No

• Letters of recommendation: 2 — Physician assistants, science professors, physicians, nurses, or other mentors

• Patient care experience: 1,000 hours minimum

• Interview format: Traditional

Prerequisites

• Minimum prerequisite grade: C

• Prerequisite expiration: 10 years for science only

• In-progress prerequisites accepted: Yes

• AP or CLEP credit accepted: Yes

• Pass/Fail coursework accepted: No

• Online coursework accepted: No

Required coursework

• General Biology or Human Biology: One (1) year sequential coursework (two semesters or three quarters) OR one semester/quarter of General Biology or Human Biology and additional Biology courses (Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Endocrinology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Histology, Embryology, or Neuroscience)

• Chemistry with Lab: One (1) year sequential coursework

• Microbiology with Lab: One semester (3 units) or quarter (4 units)

• Human Anatomy with Lab: One semester (3 units) or quarter (4 units)

• Human Physiology: One semester (3 units) or quarter (4 units)

• Beginning Spanish: One (1) year sequential coursework (2 semesters or 3 quarters)

• Statistics: One semester (3 units) or quarter (4 units)

• Introduction/General Psychology: One semester (3 units) or quarter (4 units)

• Medical Terminology: Minimum one (1) unit (semester or quarter) or certificate of completion

• English Composition: Two semesters (International Applicants Only)

Recommended: Hands-on, paid, patient care clinical experience is preferred

Cost

• In-state tuition: $196,112

• Supplemental application fee: $55

• Seat deposit: $750

Want to compare your stats to this program? Pre-PA Bestie is a free, always-updated PA program database where you can save schools and see how your numbers line up. Check out Pre-PA Bestie.

• Program website: University of Southern California - Los Angeles

• Admissions page: Admissions information

• Prerequisite details: Prerequisite coursework

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: (323) 442-1900

• Address: 1975 Zonal Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033

Program information last verified July 6, 2026. Requirements change — always confirm directly with the program before applying.