Valedictorian and Salutatorian

At USC, it is the custom to name one student to serve as the University Valedictorian and one or more students to serve as University Salutatorian. The USC selection process recognizes the very highest levels of academic achievement, but it is also more holistic and takes into consideration service and leadership as well.

Eligible candidates will be invited to apply and interview for consideration. A panel of senior faculty drawn from across the university serves as the Valedictorian and Salutatorian Selection Committee. The committee members are tasked selecting the Valedictorian and Salutatorian(s) based on the following seven factors:

1. grade point average (at least a 3.980 or higher)
2. number of course units completed at USC
3. breadth of the academic program, taking into account the widely varying degree requirements of individual majors
4. challenge of the academic program considered as a whole
5. contribution to university and community life
6. quality of essay submission
7. willingness to accept the award and, in the case of the Valedictorian, ability to deliver a short high-quality commencement address