The University of Southern California (also known by its abbreviation USC ) is the oldest private university in California and one of the most renowned and respected universities in the world. It is based in Los Angeles ' University Park neighborhood.

USC is a member of the Association of American Universities , an association of leading research-intensive North American universities that has existed since 1900. The University of Southern California was named “University of the Year” in 2000 by Time magazine and the Princeton Review. In 2011, USC was also ranked among the “Top 10 Dream Colleges” among high school graduates in the United States. It was ranked the 47th best university in the world by the Academic Ranking of World Universities.