Did you know that the University of Southern California was founded in 1880? It’s a private research university located in Los Angeles, and is one of the most prestigious schools in the country. With over 38,000 students and more than 5,000 faculty members, USC is a major player in both higher education and research. If you’re interested in learning more about this iconic institution, be sure to check out our latest blog post!
History: University of Southern California
was founded on October 6, 1880. The university’s founders, Dr. George F. Bovard and Judge Robert M. Widney, wanted to create a school that would promote the “industrial arts and sciences” in the young city of Los Angeles. They secured funding from several prominent citizens, including land owner Mrs. Arcadia Bandini de Stearns Baker. USC opened its doors on September 3, 1887 with 53 students and 10 faculty members.
Today: USC is one of the leading private research universities in the United States. The school enrolls over 38,000 students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. USC has more than 5,000 faculty members across its 17 schools and colleges. The university is also home to 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 school, with an acceptance rate of just over 16%. Students who are interested in attending USC will need to submit strong academic grades and test scores, as well as a well-written personal statement. USC is also committed to supporting students from all backgrounds, and offers a variety of financial aid and scholarship programs.
If you’re looking for a top-ranked university with a long history of excellence, USC is definitely worth considering!
Campus
The University of Southern California’s 226-acre (91 ha) primary campus is located in the Exposition Park neighborhood of South Los Angeles, a few miles south of Downtown Los Angeles. The university 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 located 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 is a residential complex for graduate and professional students, faculty, and staff which opened in August 2009. The $1 billion project includes 2,700 apartments, retail stores, a grocery store, restaurants, a fitness center, and a community center. The complex is located on Figueroa Street, just north of Exposition Park.
Health Sciences campus
The USC Health Sciences campus is located in the eastern part of the city, about 2 miles (3.2 km) from the main campus. The Keck School of Medicine of USC and the USC School of Pharmacy are the primary tenants of the 42-acre (17 ha) site. The campus also includes several research institutes and hospitals, including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and California Rehabilitation Institute.
Public Transit
The University of Southern California operates several public transit shuttle routes that connect the main campus with various off-campus housing complexes and USC-affiliated businesses. The shuttles are free for USC students, faculty, and staff, and operate on a regular schedule throughout the day.
The university also operates a fleet of electric buses that provide transportation around the main campus. The buses are powered by a network of solar panels and batteries, and are emission-free.
The University of Southern California’s primary campus is located in Exposition Park, a few miles south of Downtown Los Angeles. The 226-acre (91 ha) campus 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 located 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.
The university also operates a fleet of electric buses that provide transportation around the main campus. The buses are powered by a network of solar panels and batteries, and are emission-free.
Downtown Los Angeles campus
USC’s Downtown Los Angeles campus is located in the historic core of the city, adjacent to Pershing Square. The campus includes several academic buildings, administrative offices, and USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. The school also has a presence at several other locations in Los Angeles, including Hollywood, Burbank, and Pasadena.
Research parks
The University of Southern California operates two research parks: USC Research Park and USC Technology Center. USC Research Park is located near the main campus in Exposition Park, and is home to over 100 companies that are engaged in research and development activities. The park also includes several academic buildings, including the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.
USC Technology Center is located in Alhambra, about 12 miles (19 km) from the main campus. The center is home to technology-based businesses, incubators, and accelerators. The university also operates the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation, which is located at the technology center.
Student life
Student organizations
USC has over 850 student organizations, including cultural groups, fraternities and sororities, honor societies, political groups, religious groups, and service organizations. The university also offers a wide variety of intramural sports leagues and clubs.
Greek life
USC’s Greek community is one of the largest in the United States, with over 60 fraternities and sororities. Greek organizations are located on-campus and off-campus, and participate in a variety of social, philanthropic, and academic activities.
Athletics
USC is a member of the NCAA Division I and competes in the Pac-12 Conference. The university fields teams in a variety of sports, including baseball, basketball, football, golf, gymnastics, rowing, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and water polo.
The USC Trojans football team has won 11 national championships and produced numerous Heisman Trophy winners. The men’s basketball team has also won several national championships. Other USC teams that have won national championships include the men’s water polo team (26), the women’s water polo team (5), the men’s volleyball team (4), and the women’s volleyball team (3).
Notable alumni and faculty
USC has produced a number of notable alumni, including astronauts, actors, businesspeople, politicians, and athletes.
