Is The University of Southern California a Good School?
It's one of the most well-known private research universities in the country, but is the University of Southern California a good school? We've got the guide to everything you need to know.
The University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles, California. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and graduate programs online.
USC is a well-known school, but is the University of Southern California a good school? It is, and is in fact one of the top in the country. We break down everything you need to know below.
Is the University of Southern California Accredited?
The University of Southern California is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
At the institutional level, colleges and universities in the United States can be either regionally or nationally accredited. Regional accreditation is the most common and is generally preferred.
There are six regional accreditation agencies in the U.S., each accrediting the colleges and schools within the states under their jurisdiction.
The WSCUC accredits institutions in California, Hawaii, and some pacific islands, and is therefore responsible for accrediting USC.
Many of the individual programs within USC are programmatically accredited, meaning they have earned accreditation from the body that oversees programs within a specific field.
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What Is the University of Southern California Known For?
The University of Southern California is known for many things, including its history, immensely successful alumni and staff, athletics, and academics.
USC was founded in 1880 and is the oldest private research university in California. It's also home to the oldest and largest film school in the country, the School of Cinematic Arts.
Because of this school, the university has graduated more alumni who have gone on to win Academy Awards and Emmy Awards than any other in the U.S.
Additionally, the staff at USC is made up of multiple Nobel Laureates, Rhodes Scholars, Marshall Scholars, MacArthur Fellows, Fulbright Scholars, and Turing Award winners.
USC is a Division I NCAA school with multiple championships under its belt. Its graduates have won more Olympic medals than those of any other institution, and the school has the second-highest number of alumni drafted into the NFL.
The university is also well-known for its range of programs, offered through 22 colleges and schools within the university, and its low acceptance rate.
Is the University of Southern California a Good Choice?
For many students, the University of Southern California is a good choice. It offers a wealth of academic programs taught by highly-esteemed professors and faculty.
USC is typically very highly rated. Current rankings include:
- #31 in the U.S. and #58 in the world from the Academic Ranking of World Universities
- #14 on Forbes's America's Top Colleges list
- #28 on U.S. News and World Report's Best National University Rankings
- #19 on The Wall Street Journal's list of 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S.
Additionally, many individual programs are highly ranked by U.S. News and World Report, including the gerontology and occupational therapy programs, which are rated as number one in the country.
It should be noted that while the academic rigor of USC's programs makes it a good choice for many, some students may find it to be challenging, especially if they're studying while leading busy lives.
USC does not offer any undergraduate programs online, and thus is not a good choice for students looking for online-only undergraduate programs.
Acceptance Rates at the University of Southern California
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the University of Southern California only accepted 12% of first-time undergraduate applicants in the fall of 2022.
First-year undergraduate students will need to fill out the application online. There is an $85 application fee, but fee waivers are available.
Students will also need to submit their high school transcripts and letters of recommendation. Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional, and some majors may require a portfolio, resume, or writing sample.
All graduate students must fill out an application, but additional steps will depend on the program. Students may need to submit test scores, a resume, and/or letters of recommendation.
Online Programs Offered at the University of Southern California
The University of Southern California offers online master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and graduate certificates.
Degrees and certificates are available in the following fields:
- art and design
- business and accounting
- communication
- computer science
- dentistry
- education and teaching
- engineering
- geographic information science
- gerontology
- health and medicine
- law
- library science
- pharmacy
- physical therapy
- professional studies
- public policy
- psychology
- social work
- sustainability
- urban planning
Certificates are also available online in the cinematic arts.
Additionally, USC offers online courses, including some free classes, to help students hone skills in a variety of fields, including leadership, productivity, resilience, and digital skills.
What Are Online Classes Like at the University of Southern California?
While online classes at the University of Southern California are rigorous, they are also convenient, allowing students to study on their schedule.
Online students are taught by industry-leading experts and have access to the best online resources and learning environment.
Most programs are completely online and asynchronous, meaning students don't have to log in at a specific time. They can complete their coursework when convenient, so long as assignments are turned in by their due dates.
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The University of Southern California is a good school, as it's one of the top research universities in the country. With the guide above, you can determine if USC is right for you.
