University of Southern California
- Diversity

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University of Southern California - Diversity - Diversity - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.24

Diversity

Quick Stats

African American 5%
Asian American 22%
Hispanic 13%
International 9%
Native American 1%
White 45%
Unknown 4%
Historically Black College/University? No
Tribal College? No
Out-of-State Students 41%
Common States of Residence
  • Foreign countries
  • Illinois
  • New York
  • Texas
  • Washington
Student Age Breakdown Under 18: 1%
18-19: 19%
20-21: 25%
22-24: 22%
25+: 32%
Female Faculty 36%
Male Faculty 64%
Faculty Diversity African American: 3%
Asian American: 17%
Hispanic: 4%
International: 4%
Native American: 0%
White: 64%
Unknown: 8%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Ever since President Sample began his effort to build on academics and enrich the overall environment at USC, the school has become more diverse with each incoming class. Students of all ethnic backgrounds, races, genders, sexual preferences, and disabilities are well represented at USC. The Greek system is not nearly as diverse as the student body, but several efforts are being made to get minority students interested in Greek life, which has become more and more concentrated to the Row as general academic standards have risen. Students entering USC as freshmen are less inclined to party and study more often in the libraries than their predecessors five years ago.

With regards to gay tolerance, while surface-level tolerance is very high, there are still times during the year when the GLBTA banners on lampposts are stolen. Whether this is due to fraternity pranks or subculture intolerance, no one is sure. Many new students who identify with a specific group, minority or not, tend to open up to the rest of the student body as they get involved in campus activities. This process usually takes some time, but once students discover what USC has to offer, group integration is inevitable.

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Southern California Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Diversity at University of Southern California

krishnaboy12

Business Administration and Management '16

4.2
A-

Students from All Around

There are plenty of students all around from different races, countries, and backgrounds. It's a great school with a lot of diversity for different experiences and stories to be shared.

May 15, 2012

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Diversity at University of Southern California

daniellalollie

English '14

1.5
D+

Subconscious Segregation Commonplace

Although for obvious cultural reasons, people of certain heritages tend to hang out amongst themselves (whites and minorities alike) it seems there is little effort being made into integrating the University's different ethnic groups. Race is hardly brought up and is a subject that seems almost taboo. USC publicly takes a lot of pride in its diversity but hardly acknowledges the reality of race divisions within the student body.

The university is also very segregated when it comes to sexual orientation. Do in part to the hetero-normative framework that fraternities and sororities (something really big at USC) exist in, it is sometimes easy to forget that not everyone on campus is straight. When I took a gender and sociology class I realized that there are many bi, queer, gay, gender queer and transgendered students. This was when I first realized even the classes are unintentionally segregated based on sexual orientation.

I would like for USC to acknowledge these disparities and move towards creating a real campus of diversity. The first step of course must be to admit a problem exists.

May 15, 2012

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Diversity at University of Southern California

caligirl27

International Relations and National Security Studies '14

4.2
A-

Could Be Better

We as a university, pride ourselves on diversity and we definitely have a large international student population. However, we could do better in embracing our differences and taking advantage of the multiculturalism.

May 14, 2012

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User rating for University of Southern California - Diversity is 4.6 out of 5 based on 45 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

How diverse is the student body in the following areas?

How diverse is your personal circle of friends in the following areas?

How accepting is the campus community as a whole toward someone who falls into the minority (ethnic, sexual, or religious)?

How would you best describe your personal political beliefs?

How would you best describe the political beliefs of campus as a whole?

Facts

Gay Pride

Tolerance is high on campus. The Gay Lesbian Bi Transgender Assembly is highly influential to school administration. Although most fraternities and sororities are opposed to initiating openly gay students, certain houses say they have gay members and are fully supportive of them, which would never have happened 10 years ago. Gay students who are harassed by roommates and neighbors have a strong support system at the GLBTA.

Political Activity

There is a mix between traditional SoCal conservatives and a growing breed of young liberals.

Economic Status

Coined by timeless rival UCLA as the "University of Spoiled Children," the student body at USC comes across as affluent to outsiders. This is not entirely true. Although a huge number of students are wealthy, there is an even greater number of students on financial aid. It is a credit to the University that students are willing to do whatever it takes to study at USC and get involved on campus.

Most Common Religions

Christianity and Judaism are the most common religions at USC, but the presence of other religions is definitely felt. There are student organizations for all kinds of religions, as well as Alpha Gamma Omega, the Christian fraternity.

Minority Clubs on Campus

There are more than 300 student organizations on campus, many of which are in the interest of minorities. There is also a Jewish fraternity, Asian fraternity, and an African American fraternity.

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
BJ Grip
Hometown
Colorado Springs, CO
Major
Theater

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