Abhyank Srinet The USC Marshall MFin, officially called the Master of Science in Finance (MSF), is a 16-month, 36-unit, STEM-designated programme in Los Angeles. The latest Fall 2025 class has 126 students, a 3.56 average GPA, 685 average GMAT, 325 average GRE, 23 average age and 76% international students. GMAT and GRE scores are optional for admission. USC reports that 87% of Fall 2024 graduates were employed, while the latest programme-specific published cost estimate is approximately ₹90.97 lakh ($94,872), although that estimate is based on earlier tuition rates and should not be treated as the final Fall 2027 cost.
What Are the Key USC Marshall MFin Facts?
| USC Marshall MFin Detail | Latest Official Information |
|---|---|
| Official Programme | Master of Science in Finance (MSF) |
| School | USC Marshall School of Business |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Duration | 16 months |
| Credits | 36 units |
| Intake | Fall only |
| STEM | Yes |
| GMAT/GRE | Optional |
| Application Fee | Approx. ₹16,780 ($175) |
| Latest Class Size | 126 |
| Average Work Experience | 5 months |
| Current Acceptance Rate | Not officially disclosed |
| Latest Employment Rate | 87% for Fall 2024 graduates |
| Latest Programme-Specific Published Cost Estimate | Approx. ₹90.97 lakh ($94,872), based on 2025–26 tuition rates |
Introduction
The USC Marshall MFin is a 16-month STEM-designated finance master's designed for students and early-career professionals who want deeper skills in valuation, investment analysis, portfolio management, corporate finance and financial modelling. The programme combines a structured finance core with a wide range of electives and a summer period that students can use for internships and practical experience.
Its Los Angeles location, international cohort and USC Trojan network make the programme relevant to applicants targeting finance roles across banking, investment management, corporate finance, private equity, real estate and financial analytics. In this blog, we cover the USC Marshall MFin class profile, admissions, GMAT and GRE policy, curriculum, Fall 2027 deadlines, fees, scholarships, employment outcomes and key points for Indian applicants.
What Is the USC Marshall MFin Programme?
The USC Marshall MFin is the Master of Science in Finance offered by the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. It is a full-time, on-campus programme completed over three academic terms in approximately 16 months.
The curriculum consists of 36 units, including 19.5 units of required core coursework and 16.5 units of electives. Students also have a summer between academic years when they can pursue internships and gain practical finance experience.
Who Is the Programme Designed For?
USC describes the programme as suitable for analytically motivated early- or mid-career professionals seeking accelerated finance training. The latest class profile suggests that many students enter very early in their careers, with only five months of average work experience.
STEM Designation
The USC Marshall MFin is STEM-designated. International graduates can therefore be eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension after the standard post-completion OPT period, subject to U.S. immigration rules and individual eligibility.
What Is the USC Marshall MFin Class Profile?
The USC Marshall MFin class has 126 students from a highly international applicant pool. USC received 1,259 applications for the cohort, while 76% of enrolled students are international.
| Class Profile Metric | Fall 2025 |
|---|---|
| Applications Received | 1,259 |
| Class Size | 126 |
| Average GPA | 3.56 |
| Average GMAT | 685 |
| Average GRE | 325 |
| Average Age | 23 |
| Average Work Experience | 5 months |
| Women | 40% |
| International Students | 76% |
| Domestic Students | 24% |
Countries represented in the current class include India, China, France, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and others.
What Is the USC Marshall MFin Acceptance Rate?
USC Marshall does not officially publish a current acceptance rate for the MS Finance programme. Applicants should therefore avoid treating unofficial percentages calculated from class size as the programme's acceptance rate.
The Fall 2025 profile reports 1,259 applications and 126 enrolled students, but enrolment is not the same as the number of admission offers. These figures cannot be used to calculate a verified acceptance rate.
What Are the USC Marshall MFin Admission Requirements?
Applicants need a bachelor's degree or equivalent, transcripts, a resume and a completed graduate application. GMAT and GRE scores are optional, while shortlisted candidates may be invited to complete a KIRA video interview.
| Requirement | Current USC Marshall MSF Policy |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | Required or equivalent qualification |
| Official Transcripts | Required |
| Resume | Required |
| GMAT/GRE | Optional |
| KIRA Video Interview | By invitation after application submission |
| English Proficiency | Required for international applicants unless an official USC exemption applies |
| Application Fee | Approx. ₹16,780 ($175) |
Holistic Application Review
USC states that applications are reviewed holistically. Applicants are expected to demonstrate that they can manage a quantitatively demanding finance curriculum, whether through academics, coursework, professional experience or optional test scores.
Progressive Degree Requirements Are Different
Requirements such as completing 64 USC undergraduate units, maintaining a USC GPA and completing specific USC finance courses apply to the Progressive Degree Program for current USC students. They are not the standard admission criteria for external USC Marshall MFin applicants.
Applicants should confirm the latest requirements on the official USC Marshall MS Finance admissions page.
Does USC Marshall MFin Require GMAT or GRE?
No. GMAT and GRE scores are recommended but not required for the USC Marshall MFin. Applicants can submit a score if it provides additional evidence of their academic or quantitative ability.
What Is the Average USC Marshall MFin GMAT Score?
The Fall 2025 class profile lists an average GMAT score of 685 and an average GRE score of 325. These figures describe the latest published cohort and should not be interpreted as minimum admission requirements.
Should You Submit a Test Score?
A strong GMAT or GRE score can be useful if you want to strengthen the quantitative side of your profile, particularly when your undergraduate grades or coursework provide limited evidence of finance, mathematics or statistics ability.
What Should Indian Applicants Know About USC Marshall MFin?
Indian applicants are well represented in the USC Marshall MFin environment, with India explicitly listed among the countries of origin in the latest class profile. The programme is particularly relevant to students seeking a STEM-designated U.S. finance degree with access to Los Angeles and the wider USC alumni network.
- GMAT/GRE: Both tests are optional. Indian applicants do not need a separate mandatory GMAT score simply because they are international candidates.
- English proficiency: Applicants educated in India should not assume that an English-medium degree automatically creates a USC waiver. USC states that programmes taught in English in non-Anglophone countries do not by themselves qualify for the university's standard English-test exemption.
- Three-year bachelor's degrees: USC directs applicants with a three-year degree to its country-specific requirements. Check the India requirements before applying rather than assuming automatic equivalency.
- Application timing: International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply in Round 1 or Round 2 because USC cannot guarantee that Round 3 decisions will leave enough time for visa processing.
- STEM OPT: The programme is STEM-designated, and eligible graduates can apply for the additional 24-month STEM OPT extension.
- Scholarships: International students are eligible for the limited MS Finance scholarships, with earlier rounds receiving priority consideration.
What Does the USC Marshall MFin Curriculum Include?
The USC Marshall MFin curriculum consists of 36 units, combining 19.5 units of core finance coursework with 16.5 units of electives. Students build foundations in accounting, economics, quantitative methods, corporate finance, valuation and investment management before customising the programme through electives.
Core Finance Courses
The required curriculum develops the analytical and financial foundations needed for advanced finance roles.
- FBE 506: Quantitative Methods in Finance
- GSBA 510: Accounting Concepts and Financial Reporting
- GSBA 511: Microeconomics for Management
- GSBA 542: Communication for Management
- GSBA 548: Corporate Finance
- FBE 529: Financial Analysis and Valuation
- FBE 555: Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management
- FBE 531: Corporate Financial Policy and Corporate Governance
Elective Flexibility
Students can specialise through electives in areas such as hedge funds, fixed income, mergers and acquisitions, real estate finance, venture capital, financial risk, financial analytics and related finance topics.
Applied Learning
USC emphasises cases, simulations, investment-fund management and experiential coursework. The programme also leaves the summer between academic years available for internships and practical work experience.
See the official USC Marshall MS Finance programme page for the latest curriculum.
When Are the USC Marshall MFin Deadlines for 2027?
USC Marshall has published three application rounds for the Fall 2027 MS Finance intake. International applicants should prioritise the first two rounds because of visa-processing timelines.
| Round | Application Deadline | Decision By |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | November 1, 2026 | January 15, 2027 |
| Round 2 | January 15, 2027 | March 30, 2027 |
| Round 3 | April 15, 2027 | June 15, 2027 |
The programme accepts students for the Fall intake only. USC recommends that international applicants apply in Round 1 or Round 2 because Round 3 may not provide enough time for immigration and visa processing.
How Much Does the USC Marshall MFin Cost?
The latest programme-specific cost table published by USC Marshall estimates approximately ₹90.97 lakh ($94,872) for tuition and mandatory fees. However, the table is explicitly based on the 2025–26 tuition rate and is not the final Fall 2027 cost.
| Published Cost Component | Latest Marshall Programme Estimate |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Approx. ₹87.71 lakh ($91,476) |
| Mandatory Fees | Approx. ₹3.26 lakh ($3,396) |
| Total Published Programme Estimate | Approx. ₹90.97 lakh ($94,872) |
| Application Fee | Approx. ₹16,780 ($175) |
Housing, food, transportation and health insurance are not included in the programme-specific total above.
What Is the Current USC Business Tuition Rate?
USC's Registrar lists the Fall 2026 business-school tuition rate at approximately ₹2.51 lakh ($2,615) per unit. Because tuition is updated annually, Fall 2027 applicants should use the Marshall programme estimate only for planning and check the final published rate before committing.
For broader comparisons, see our Masters in Finance in USA guide.
What Scholarships Are Available for USC Marshall MFin?
USC Marshall offers a limited number of scholarships to admitted MS Finance students. Both domestic and international applicants are eligible, and there is no separate scholarship application. USC does not currently publish individual scholarship names or guaranteed award amounts specifically for incoming MSF students.
| Scholarship / Funding Option | Eligibility | Application Required? | Selection Basis | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USC Marshall MS Finance Scholarship | Admitted domestic and international MSF students | No separate application | Holistic assessment of the admitted applicant's profile | Limited scholarships are available and USC does not publish a fixed or guaranteed award amount. |
| Priority Scholarship Consideration | Applicants submitting in Round 1 or Round 2 | No separate application | Admission profile and overall competitiveness | USC encourages applicants seeking scholarship consideration to apply in the first two rounds. |
| USC Financial Aid and External Funding | Depends on citizenship, residency and individual lender or funding-provider rules | Varies | Depends on the funding source | Students can also explore loans and external funding options through USC Financial Aid and private sources. |
How Are Scholarships Awarded?
USC Marshall selects MS Finance scholarship recipients through a holistic review of the admitted applicant's profile. The school does not publish a guaranteed scholarship amount or separate award structure for every incoming student.
When Should You Apply for Scholarship Priority?
Applicants seeking scholarship consideration should ideally apply in Round 1 or Round 2. USC states that scholarship recipients are notified within 10 days after admission, while applicants who are not selected may not receive a separate scholarship notification.
What Are the Career Outcomes After USC Marshall MFin?
USC reports that 87% of Fall 2024 MS Finance graduates were employed. Of the reported hires, 78% were in North America and 22% were international.
| Career Metric | Latest Official Figure |
|---|---|
| Employed Fall 2024 Graduates | 87% |
| Hires in North America | 78% |
| International Hires | 22% |
| Current Official Average Salary | Not disclosed on the latest class-profile page |
What Jobs Do USC Marshall MFin Graduates Get?
Recent full-time positions listed by USC include Investment Banking Analyst, Private Equity Analyst, Corporate and Investment Banking Analyst, M&A Associate, Equity Analyst, Investment Analyst, Strategic Finance Analyst, Venture Capital Fellow and Wealth Advisor Associate.
Which Companies Hire USC MS Finance Graduates?
Representative employers listed by USC include JPMorganChase, Bank of America, Bloomberg, HSBC, UBS Investment Bank, EY, McKinsey & Company, Moody's Analytics, Nomura, SoFi and Warner Bros. Discovery. These are examples of recent graduate employers rather than guaranteed recruiters for every cohort.
For broader career information, read our Master in Finance jobs guide.
What Makes the USC Marshall MFin Different?
The USC Marshall MFin combines a STEM-designated finance curriculum with elective flexibility, applied learning and access to the USC Trojan network in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Location
Students study in a major economy spanning finance, technology, entertainment, real estate, healthcare and venture-backed businesses. This creates career options beyond traditional Wall Street finance.
Flexible Finance Electives
The programme allows students to move beyond the core curriculum into subjects such as real estate finance, hedge funds, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions and financial analytics.
Trojan Network
Students become part of USC's wider alumni community and can connect with professionals across finance and other industries through university, Marshall and student-network activities.
Is USC Marshall MFin Worth It for Indian Students?
Worth it if the USC Marshall MFin can fit Indian applicants who want a STEM-designated U.S. finance master's, are interested in investment banking, asset management, corporate finance, private equity or financial analytics, and value access to Los Angeles and the USC alumni network. The programme can also work well for recent graduates because the latest cohort enters with limited average work experience.
Think twice if the overall cost would require substantial debt, your target career does not benefit from studying in the United States, or you expect the programme name alone to guarantee a U.S. finance job. International applicants should compare tuition, scholarship funding, visa strategy, target roles and likely employment geography before making the final decision.
For a broader ROI comparison, see Is a Master's in Finance in the USA Worth It?.
Conclusion
The USC Marshall MFin is best suited to applicants who want a specialised finance degree that combines strong quantitative training, flexible electives and exposure to the U.S. finance market. Its STEM designation, Los Angeles location and access to the wider USC Trojan network can make it particularly attractive for students targeting careers in investment banking, asset management, corporate finance, private equity, financial analytics or related areas. The programme also gives students the flexibility to shape their coursework around specific finance interests while building practical analytical and decision-making skills. For Indian applicants, the decision should go beyond rankings or brand recognition.
It is important to compare the total cost, scholarship opportunities, visa and STEM OPT benefits, target job roles and expected career outcomes with your long-term plans. Applicants should also rely on USC’s latest admissions, class profile and employment information rather than older third-party estimates when evaluating whether the USC Marshall MFin offers the right academic, financial and career fit.
