Perks and discounts
Spend some time exploring the many perks USC employees enjoy. You can start with this (very) quick look at some discounts, then keep scrolling down the page to learn more!
Discounts offered to USC employees
The employee discounts in this section have been verified. Other businesses, especially those near campus, may offer you additional discounts (which may require you to show your USCard).
USC discounts
USC Bookstores – get 10% off many purchases at university bookstores with your USCard (you can also use it to pay)
USC Pharmacies – get 10% off many purchases at USC Pharmacy with your USCard (you can also use it to pay) – also, see the Pharmacies brochure
USC Ticket Office – discounts not only to campus-based events but many of the big local theme parks as well – check out this quick look at some of their offers
USC gym memberships – employees receive a big discount on campus gyms
USC Surplus Sales – employees can pick up a bargain on used equipment or furniture, for either business or personal use
USC Neighborhood Homeownership program – employees get up to $50,000 toward a house in a campus neighborhood – see detailed program information
See the What’s for lunch page for current specials from USC Hospitality and USC Village restaurants
USC Village discounts
Nail Garden – 10% off services
Transportation/travel/activity discounts
Half off public transit subsidy – applies to many employee transit options, even out of state!
“Getting around” with USC Transportation – discounted rates on rental cars and car sharing
Hyatt House LA University Medical Center - get up to 25% off daily rates
Tech-related discounts
Software with USC ITS – security software for your work and home computers
Cell phone discounts with USC ITS – discounts from the major carriers
Discounts for your home and family
Travelers home and auto insurance – offers discounts on personal insurance for your auto and/or home, condo or apartment.
SolarMax Technology, Inc – offers an exclusive discount for USC faculty and staff and their family members; you get up to $2,000 off a complete solar panel system for your home
Public service loan forgiveness – available for USC employees, due to the university’s non-profit status, which means you might have help in paying off some federal education loans
Note to external organizations wishing to add a discount to this section
The Employee Gateway promotes internal perks, rewards and benefits to the USC community; with few exceptions, it does not promote discounts available by external companies. Moreover, Gateway staff are not the decision makers who work with outside companies to introduce rewards; instead, we promote already existing USC special programs, services or rewards. We do not offer a list of discounts from third party vendors because of the time and strict review processes required to vet and maintain these listings with regard to liability and conflict of interest. Businesses wishing to enter into a relationship with the university should contact USC Business Services.
Arts and activities
USC offers an abundance of arts-related and other educational activities – many of them free or at a significant discount for employees. Check out the many choices below by exploring links to the performances, exhibits and other activities offered on campus and through USC’s arts academies. Also be sure to check out the Gateway Calendar of Events (always available on the front page of the Employee Gateway), and see our Arts for employees - on video page as well.
Visions and Voices
Visions and Voices is a university-wide arts and humanities initiative which emphasizes the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary approaches. The initiative features a spectacular array of events, many conceived and organized by faculty and schools throughout the university. Performances and presentations by acclaimed artists and distinguished speakers are offered free for USC students, and most are free to the general public and you, as an employee, as well. See their website for details!
Performances
Plays and musicals from USC School of Dramatic Arts
Dance performances from USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance
Screenings from the USC School of Cinematic Arts
Concerts from USC Thornton School of Music
Classical KUSC
Listen by clicking on the bottom right corner of the Gateway front page.
Be part of the performance! The University Chorus is open to all faculty, staff and students.
Exhibits
Fisher Museum of Art – USC’s gallery is always free to employees.
Pacific Asia Museum – located in Pasadena with free admission with your USCard
Exhibitions at USC Roski School of Art and Design – located on the ground level in Watt Hall, Roski’s gallery offers undergraduate exhibitions of painting, photography, sculpture and ceramics. The gallery is free and open Monday through Friday.
Exposition Park and Rose Garden – right across the street from UPC
Natural History Museum – your USCard admits you for free to the museum
La Brea Tar Pits – free admission with your USCard
Lectures
What Matters to Me and Why – this series encourages reflection about values, beliefs, and motivation in the lives of those who help shape our university (often – faculty and staff). Presenters are encouraged to talk about choices made, difficulties encountered, and commitments solidified
Roski Talks – free talks by artists, designers, scholars and performers hosted by USC Roski School of Art and Design
Events Calendar
For more happening on and around USC’s campuses, see the USC Events Calendar.
Athletics
Tickets to USC football and basketball games are often available to employees at a discount. Faculty and staff may attend any other athletic events free of charge (show your USCard). Explore the many sports schedules on the USC Trojans site.
Trojan Marching Band – the greatest marching band in the history of the universe
Coliseum – historic home of two Olympic Games – and Trojan football
Galen Center – home of USC basketball and countless other events
Errands - help for your personal to-do list
Many services are available on or around campus to help you check off your errand list:
Basic to-do list
Library privileges for faculty and staff
Getting some groceries
Grabbing a bite
What’s for lunch (or breakfast) – daily and weekly specials
USC Hospitality dining options at UPC and HSC
USC Village dining options
Getting around
Gas station – use your USCard or other cards to gas up
Campus Cruiser – catch a free lift to your car if you’re working late
Protecting your home and computer
Auto/home insurance – Travelers provides discounted coverage for USC employees
Picking up a deal
Other discounts – including your errands to the bookstore, pharmacy and ticket office
Looking for something else?
Just for fun
Enjoy this lighthearted look at USC benefits and perks: