University of Southern California in Los Angeles, commonly known as USC, opened its doors in 1880 making it the oldest university in California. U.S. News and World Report: Best Colleges 2011 ranks USC No. 23 among colleges and universities in the United States and the Princeton Review ranks USC's undergraduate programs No. 10 in the nation. USC's global student body, nicknamed "the Trojans," enroll in academic programs in 18 schools across the disciplines and can earn degrees from the bachelors to the doctoral level without transferring to other universities. The university offers majors in liberal arts, business, journalism, education, social work, art and architecture. With a student faculty ratio of 9 to 1, students can take advantage of supportive learning relationships with faculty. USC boasts a state-of-the-art medical school and teaching hospitals which allow students to pursue education leading to in-demand medical, dental and allied health careers. The School of Cinematic Arts, funded by legendary Hollywood filmmaker George Lucas, has graduated over 10,000 alumni employed in the film, television and media industry. Although USC ranks tops for academics, students, faculty and alumni relax by supporting enthusiastically the university's top-ranked football, basketball, tennis and track and field teams.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089
213-740-2311
usc.edu
Pepperdine University, a private Christian university, overlooks the Pacific Ocean in Malibu. U.S. News and World Report: Best Colleges 2011 ranks Pepperdine University No. 23 in the United States and The Princeton Review ranks the university's study abroad programs No. 7. The mid-sized university offers academic programs in the liberal arts, law, education, psychology and public policy. Pepperdine students can enroll at the Malibu campus, at the university's satellite location in Washington, D.C., or internationally in Asia, Europe and Latin America. The university has been actively involved in preserving the local environment since the early 1970s. In addition to engaging in rigorous academic pursuits, students participate in the university's renowned men's and women's athletic teams such as baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, swimming and tennis.
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263
310-506-4392
pepperdine.edu
U.S. News and World Report: Best Colleges 2011 ranks California Institute of Technology, a small science and engineering university located in Pasadena, No. 7 in the United States while Forbes Magazine ranks the university No. 19. Caltech faculty and alumni have received 31 Nobel prizes in the sciences since the university's founding in 1891. The university offers majors in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science and engineering and prepares students for leadership positions at research institutions like NASA and the National Science Foundation. Caltech students, recognized as high academic achievers, live mainly on campus and keep alive university traditions such as sit-down dinners with waiter service. Although Caltech students take academic pursuits seriously, they enjoy participating in and supporting the university's 13 NCAA Division III ranked sports teams.
California Institute of Technology
1200 E. California Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91125
626-395-6341
caltech.edu