The University
USC is a constellation of schools, centers and institutes where some of the brightest minds, working together in a dynamic and collaborative environment, are leading the way to the future of education and a healthier, more joyful and more sustainable Los Angeles and world.
Leadership
With an unwavering spirit to build upon USC’s legacy of excellence, President Carol Folt spearheads the leadership for the university with its devoted Board of Trustees and esteemed deans from its 23 schools and academic units, alongside a dynamic senior administration invested in forging a bright future for our revered educational institution.
![Folt with USC students during her inauguration](https://usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Image-Lead-768x432.jpeg)
Partnerships
USC’s Good Neighbors Campaign is dedicated to transforming lives and communities for the better. For almost three decades, it has provided over $26 million in grants that foster collaboration between university staff, faculty and local nonprofits on projects with a lasting positive influence around both University Park and Health Sciences campuses.
![Young students walk the red carpet at USC to the USC McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative Saturday Academy Kickoff.](https://usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/30770769028_2aa86ca51e_o-768x432.jpg)
Affordability
The University of Southern California is making a long-term investment in the future, committing over $30 million of additional financial aid annually to ease rising costs and provide need-based financial assistance for students from all economic backgrounds. This generous commitment will ensure that deserving scholars won’t be left behind — no matter their financial situation — as they pursue their education at USC.
![Various USC first year students participating in Spirit Rally](https://usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GR6_5746-768x432.jpg)
3,500
USC supports 3,500 children in college access programs and more than 600 children in preschool and early literacy programs annually. The USC McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative enrolls close to 1,000 students every year.
$773M
Total amount of financial aid disbursed by USC from all sources for 2021-22 including work-study and loans. Between 2017 and 2022, university need-based grant funding increased at an annual growth rate of 11.6%.
24
Total number of faculty members that have been awarded a Nobel Prize, MacArthur “genius grants” or a National Medal.
![Archival footage of a freshmen picnic in 1880](https://usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/uaic-stu-out-1880-1929-0021-e1678133326865-742x432.jpg)
History
On October 6, 1880, the University of Southern California opened its doors to its first students. Fifty-three young men and women were enrolled in its two departments, the “academic” or preparatory department and the college department, later referred to as the College of Liberal Arts. Today, USC is home to more than 48,000 students and over 4,400 full-time faculty within its 23 schools and academic units, and is located in the heart of one of the biggest metropolises in the world.
University News
During Monday’s event, USC Price’s new dean gave credit to a family that taught him the value of higher education.
It’s the only fully-funded residential summer institute on the West Coast offering college students an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of legal practice and law school preparation.
USC study reveals the inner core is undergoing structural transformation.
The committee will include faculty, staff, students and alumni. General Counsel Beong-Soo Kim will lead the university on an interim basis beginning July 1.