The University of Southern California (USC) was founded by the Methodist Episcopal church in 1880 and opened for classes the following year. In 1917, philosopher Ralph Tyler Flewelling helped establish USC as a bastion of personalism. The university went on to establish schools of public administration, international relations, and pioneer programs in cinematography. USC became a nonsectarian university in 1926, and in 1964, architect Konrad Wachsmann joined the faculty and started a doctoral program in building science.
USC offers numerous scholarships for international students. The University of Southern California has a competitive financial aid program and generous tuition assistance. International students make up 22.6 percent of the student body. To qualify for a scholarship, students must apply through a university’s online application portal or the Common Application. All complete applications will be considered for scholarships. Applicants must submit their academic records from all institutions attended. Students can apply for partial scholarships, one-quarter scholarships, or full tuition scholarships.
USC is a private public-benefit corporation governed by a board of trustees. It is made up of fifty voting members. The board also includes honorary and life trustees. Voting members serve five-year terms. One-fifth of the Trustees stands for re-election each year. The majority of trustees come from high-ranking organizations, the upper echelon of university administration, or successful alumni.
USC is one of the largest private research universities in the United States. The USC college system includes 22 schools and units. USC Dornsife is home to the School of Business and Economics and USC Law School. While USC is a major university, it is also a global arts pioneer. As of 2019, the University of Southern California was ranked the 22nd best private university in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Reports.
The University of Southern California offers a variety of financial aid programs. In addition to granting scholarships to a large portion of students, the university also provides funding for programs that enhance their knowledge and skills. Admission to USC is very competitive and merit-based. The university has been a top private research university in the state since 1880 and continues to educate many business leaders and professionals. The university is a driving force in the economy of Los Angeles.