Did you know that the University of Southern California, founded in 1880, is a prestigious private research university located in Los Angeles? With a student body exceeding 38,000 and over 5,000 faculty members, USC stands as a significant force in higher education and research. To learn more about this iconic institution, check out our latest blog post!
History: University of Southern California
Founded on October 6, 1880, the University of Southern California was established by Dr. George F. Bovard and Judge Robert M. Widney with the vision of promoting the "industrial arts and sciences" in the burgeoning city of Los Angeles. They secured funding from several notable citizens, including landowner Mrs. Arcadia Bandini de Stearns Baker. USC officially opened its doors on September 3, 1887, welcoming 53 students and 10 faculty members.
Today, the University of Southern California is a leading private research institution in the United States, enrolling over 38,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. With over 5,000 faculty members across its 17 schools and colleges, USC boasts several impressive research facilities, including the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
Today, the University of Southern California is a leading private research institution in the United States, enrolling over 38,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. With over 5,000 faculty members across its 17 schools and colleges, USC boasts several impressive research facilities, including the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
USC is a highly selective university, with an acceptance rate of just over 16%. Prospective students need to submit strong academic grades, impressive test scores, and a compelling personal statement. Committed to supporting students from diverse backgrounds, USC offers a variety of financial aid and scholarship programs to ensure accessibility and affordability.
If you're seeking a top-ranked university with a rich history of excellence, USC is certainly worth considering!
Campus
The University of Southern California's main campus spans 226 acres (91 ha) in the Exposition Park neighborhood of South Los Angeles, just a few miles south of Downtown Los Angeles. It is bordered by Figueroa Street to the north, Exposition Boulevard to the east, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the south, and Vermont Avenue to the west. USC's secondary campus, University Park, is situated 12 miles (19 km) northeast of downtown LA in the City of Alhambra. The two campuses are connected by bus service and a free shuttle tram.
University Village
University Village, a residential complex for graduate and professional students, faculty, and staff, opened in August 2009. This $1 billion project includes 2,700 apartments, retail stores, a grocery store, restaurants, a fitness center, and a community center. Located on Figueroa Street, just north of Exposition Park, University Village offers a vibrant living and community space.
Health Sciences campus
The USC Health Sciences campus is situated in the eastern part of the city, approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) from the main campus. Spanning 42 acres (17 ha), it primarily houses the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the USC School of Pharmacy. The campus also includes several research institutes and hospitals, such as Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the California Rehabilitation Institute.
Public Transit
The University of Southern California provides several public transit shuttle routes connecting the main campus with various off-campus housing complexes and USC-affiliated businesses. These shuttles, which operate on a regular schedule throughout the day, are free for USC students, faculty, and staff.
The university also operates a fleet of electric buses that provide transportation around the main campus. These emission-free buses are powered by a network of solar panels and batteries.
The University of Southern California's main campus spans 226 acres (91 ha) in Exposition Park, situated just south of Downtown Los Angeles. It is bordered by Figueroa Street to the north, Exposition Boulevard to the east, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the south, and Vermont Avenue to the west.
USC's secondary campus, University Park, is situated in the City of Alhambra, 12 miles (19 km) northeast of downtown LA. The two campuses are connected by both bus service and a complimentary shuttle tram.
Additionally, the university runs a fleet of electric buses for transportation on the main campus. These buses utilize a network of solar panels and batteries, ensuring they operate emission-free.
Downtown Los Angeles campus
Located in the historic core of Downtown Los Angeles, USC's campus is adjacent to Pershing Square. It features numerous academic buildings, administrative offices, and houses USC's School of Cinematic Arts. The university also maintains additional locations across Los Angeles, including in Hollywood, Burbank, and Pasadena.
Research parks
The University of Southern California oversees two research parks: USC Research Park and USC Technology Center. USC Research Park, situated near the main campus in Exposition Park, hosts more than 100 companies engaged in research and development. It also encompasses various academic buildings, including those of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.
USC Technology Center, situated in Alhambra approximately 12 miles (19 km) from the main campus, houses technology-based businesses, as well as incubators and accelerators. Additionally, the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation operates from this location.
Student life
Student organizations
USC boasts more than 850 student organizations, encompassing cultural groups, fraternities and sororities, honor societies, political organizations, religious groups, and service clubs. The university also provides a diverse range of intramural sports leagues and clubs for student participation.
Greek life
USC's Greek community stands as one of the largest in the United States, comprising more than 60 fraternities and sororities. These organizations are based both on-campus and off-campus, engaging actively in social events, philanthropic endeavors, and academic initiatives.
Athletics
USC is part of NCAA Division I and is a member of the Pac-12 Conference. The university fields teams in numerous sports such as baseball, basketball, football, golf, gymnastics, rowing, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and water polo.
The USC Trojans football team boasts 11 national championships and has produced multiple Heisman Trophy winners. The men’s basketball team has also clinched multiple national championships. Additionally, USC teams that have secured national championships include the men’s water polo team (26 titles), the women’s water polo team (5 titles), the men’s volleyball team (4 titles), and the women’s volleyball team (3 titles).
Notable alumni and faculty
USC counts among its alumni a diverse array of notable individuals, including astronauts, actors, business leaders, politicians, and athletes.