The University of Southern California (USC), established in 1880, is a private research university located in Los Angeles, California. As the oldest private research university in the state, USC has grown into a leading institution with a diverse student body of over 49,000, including approximately 21,000 undergraduates and 28,500 postgraduates.
USC comprises the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and 22 professional schools, offering a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The university is a member of the Association of American Universities, reflecting its commitment to research excellence.
Athletically, USC's teams, known as the Trojans, compete in the NCAA Division I and are set to join the Big Ten Conference. The Trojans have a storied history, securing 107 NCAA team championships and 412 individual championships. Notably, USC athletes have earned 326 Olympic medals, including 153 golds, the most among American universities.
USC's main campus, the University Park Campus, spans 226 acres in Los Angeles, providing a vibrant environment for academic and extracurricular activities. The university is renowned for its programs in communication, cinematic arts, business, law, and engineering, attracting students from all 50 U.S. states and over 115 countries.
In recent developments, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation banning legacy admissions at both public and private universities in the state, effective September 1, 2025. This law prohibits institutions from considering an applicant's relationship to alumni or donors during the admissions process, impacting universities like USC.
