EDIT

USC to Launch Early Decision Admission Pilot for Marshall and Leventhal Undergraduate Programs

This two-year pilot is in response to the growing demand from students who are confident that USC Marshall is their top choice for undergraduate study and who wish to accelerate the admission process.

03.03.25

Featured

Geoffrey Garrett
- Dean, USC Marshall School of Business
- Robert R. Dockson Dean's Chair in Business Administration
- Professor of Management and Organization

Stay Informed + Stay Connected

MARSHALL MONTHLY BRINGS YOU ESSENTIAL NEWS AND EVENTS FROM FACULTY, STUDENTS, AND ALUMNI.

The University of Southern California and Marshall School of Business are pleased to announce an Early Decision (ED) option for first-year admission to its undergraduate business and accounting programs. This initiative responds to the growing demand from students who are confident that USC Marshall is their top choice for undergraduate study and who wish to accelerate the admission process.

Launching Fall 2025 as a two-year pilot and the only Early Decision option at USC, this program will give first-year students the opportunity to gain and accept admission to USC Marshall in December for enrollment in Fall 2026. Note that USC Marshall’s World Bachelor of Business and the Business of Innovation majors are not open to applicants applying ED.

Students wishing to apply in the Early Decision round must submit their applications by November 1 and may not apply ED to any other college or university. Admission decisions will be communicated on December 15. Admitted students must enroll at USC Marshall and withdraw any outstanding applications to other schools.

“As Marshall has become an ever-more attractive destination for some of the most promising students in the world, we would like to offer them an Early Decision option at USC,” said USC Marshall Dean Geoffrey Garrett. “With this ED pilot, students who have Marshall as their clear first choice will have the opportunity to lock in their college choice early.”

This Early Decision program will complement existing Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD) opportunities, offering students a comprehensive set of application options tailored to individual needs. Applicants not admitted via Early Decision will be deferred to the Regular Decision round. No matter which pathway application option they choose, all Marshall students will be eligible for the same need-based financial aid support opportunities. In addition, ED and EA applicants will be considered for USC’s merit scholarships.

As Marshall has become an ever-more attractive destination for some of the most promising students in the world, we would like to offer them an Early Decision option at USC.

— Geoffrey Garrett

Dean

“We aim to empower students with application options that best suit their ambitions and circumstances. The introduction of Early Decision for USC Marshall reflects the university’s commitment to providing clarity and choice for students who have done their research and are confident in their college plans,” said Timothy Brunold, USC’s interim vice president for Enrollment Management. “We recognize the importance of supporting applicants in making informed decisions, and this pilot program will ensure that those who view Marshall as their top destination can secure their place early in the process. No matter the admission round, USC remains committed to accessibility, opportunity, and student success.”

USC provides robust guidance and support to all high school students, families, and counselors regardless of their preferred admission round (EA, ED, or RD). Our admission team strives to ensure broad accessibility and opportunities for all candidates, focusing on helping students make informed choices that align with their aspirations and circumstances. By introducing this new Early Decision admission option, we continue to champion student choice, flexibility, and success.

For more details about the USC Marshall Early Decision pilot program, visit USC Marshall’s Early Decision FAQ page. More information will also be available at USC Admissions.