University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · founded 1880 · 49,500 students · private research university · Big Ten Conference

Known for: USC is renowned for its film school (School of Cinematic Arts), strong athletic programs with numerous national championships, extensive alumni network (the Trojan Family), and location in Los Angeles providing entertainment industry connections. It is the oldest private research university in California and known for school spirit and successful graduates.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #28
QS World: #116
Times Higher Education: #63
ARWU Shanghai: #61
Forbes: #25

Top programmes

Cinematic Arts
Business (Marshall)
Engineering (Viterbi)
Communication (Annenberg)
Architecture
Interactive Media

Notable alumni

George Lucas — Creator of Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises
Neil Armstrong — First person to walk on the moon
Will Ferrell — Comedian and actor
John Wayne — Legendary film actor
Shonda Rhimes — Television producer and creator of Grey's Anatomy
Robert Zemeckis — Director of Forrest Gump and Back to the Future
Frank Gehry — Pritzker Prize-winning architect
O.J. Simpson — Heisman Trophy winner and NFL Hall of Famer

Traditions

Conquest (running with the sword after football victories)
Fountain jumping after big wins
Trojan Family Weekend (homecoming)
Midnight Madness (basketball season kickoff)
Senior Salute

If University of Southern California were…

As a food: Spago's smoked salmon pizza — Like Wolfgang Puck's iconic dish that launched a thousand imitations, USC combines Hollywood glamour with substantial craft—a premium product that networks as effectively as it nourishes.
As an athlete: Magic Johnson — The ultimate showman who turned flash into championships, built a business empire from his fame, and remains forever connected to LA's identity—just like USC's athletic and entrepreneurial spirit.
As a person alive today: Ryan Seacrest — Polished, perpetually hustling, master of multiple platforms (TV, radio, production), and always networking—the human embodiment of USC's pre-professional, media-savvy ethos.
As a historical figure: Cecil B. DeMille — The epic showman who built Hollywood's studio system, understood spectacle sells, and created enduring institutions—much like USC's founders building a university empire in a orange grove.
As a movie or TV show: The Social Network — Ambitious, sharp-elbowed strivers in branded hoodies building empires through connections and code, where legacy institutions (rowing, finals clubs) get disrupted by new money and hustle.
As a US president: Ronald Reagan — The sunny Californian who mastered performance (actor turned politician), built powerful networks, understood the optics of tradition, and always played to win—with occasionally controversial backing.
As a city: Dubai — A glittering oasis of ambition built rapidly in unlikely terrain, where monumental architecture (the Shrine, the Coliseum) serves as branding, and networking is the primary currency.
As an element: Gold — The element of wealth, prestige, and championship rings—malleable enough for entertainment and tech, but dense with tradition and value. It never tarnishes, just like the Trojan Family network.
As a car: Porsche 911 Carrera (996 generation) — Sleek LA performance machine with Trojan network horsepower—USC combines entertainment industry access, D-I athletics, and serious professional school clout. Expensive, aspirational, and built for those who want to be se

Campus life

USC has an energetic, spirited atmosphere with strong school pride centered around football and the Trojan Family network. Greek life is prominent (about 25% participation) and social life includes parties, athletic events, and entertainment industry connections. The campus offers a traditional college experience within an urban setting, with students balancing academics, networking, and Los Angeles cultural opportunities.