University of Southern California

“Where Trojan ambition meets Los Angeles energy — a world-class research university that turns students into global leaders.”

The University of Southern California is a leading private research university located in the heart of Los Angeles, one of the world's most dynamic cities. Founded in 1880, USC is the oldest private research university in California and has grown into a powerhouse of academic excellence, enrolling more than 46,000 students across 23 schools and divisions. With a six-year graduation rate of 90% and sponsored research exceeding $928 million annually, USC occupies a rare position as an institution that combines elite academic rigor with the entrepreneurial, creative spirit of Southern California. The university's proximity to Hollywood, Silicon Beach, downtown LA's financial district, and a thriving aerospace industry gives students unparalleled access to internship and career opportunities across virtually every field imaginable. USC is particularly celebrated for programs that sit at the intersection of creativity, technology, and business. The USC School of Cinematic Arts is widely regarded as the finest film school in the world, having produced directors, producers, and writers who have shaped global popular culture. The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is a top-tier engineering powerhouse, consistently ranked among the best in the nation in disciplines such as computer science, electrical engineering, and industrial engineering. The USC Marshall School of Business, with its accounting program tied for first in the nation, prepares students for careers in finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, and beyond. Together, these schools — alongside the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism — give USC its distinctive identity as a place where art meets science, and where storytelling meets data. Life at USC is defined by the legendary 'Trojan Family' — a global network of more than 500,000 alumni who actively support one another in business, academia, and civic life. On campus, traditions like the 'Fight On' cheer, the Trojan Marching Band, the iconic white horse Traveler, and fierce Pac-12 athletic rivalries create a vibrant, tight-knit community. With more than 1,000 student organizations, dedicated residential colleges, and a campus that buzzes with creative energy year-round, USC offers a student experience that is as rich outside the classroom as it is inside. Los Angeles itself is an extension of the campus — students have access to world-class museums, beaches, national parks, diverse culinary scenes, and the endless professional networking opportunities that come with living in one of the world's great metropolises.