What Happened to University of Southern California (USC)?
The University of Southern California (USC) has navigated significant leadership transitions and financial challenges in recent years, appointing Beong-Soo Kim as its 13th president in February 2026 after Carol Folt's retirement. Despite facing a substantial budget deficit and implementing layoffs, USC has continued to excel academically and athletically, securing major philanthropic investments in AI research and achieving national championships in sports, while also refining its admissions processes.
Quick Answer
The University of Southern California has recently undergone a presidential transition, with Beong-Soo Kim appointed as its 13th president in February 2026, succeeding Carol Folt. The university has been addressing a significant budget deficit through cost-cutting measures and layoffs. Concurrently, USC has seen continued athletic success, including a 2026 NCAA Women's Water Polo championship, and has received a major $200 million gift for AI research, signaling a strong focus on future academic innovation. Admissions remain highly competitive, with a new Early Decision option introduced for Fall 2027 applicants.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Faculty Censure and Commencement Cancellation
USC's faculty senate censured President Carol Folt and the provost following the university's decision to cancel the valedictorian's commencement address and the main commencement ceremony amidst pro-Palestinian protests.
Beong-Soo Kim Appointed Interim President
Beong-Soo Kim, previously USC's senior vice president and general counsel, was appointed as the interim president following the impending retirement announcement of President Carol Folt.
President Carol Folt Announces Retirement
USC President Carol Folt announced her retirement, effective July 1, 2025, after six years of leadership focused on calming scandals and boosting programs, but also facing criticism for her handling of protests.
Football Recruiting Challenges
USC's football program experienced a wave of decommitments in the weeks leading up to the early signing period, highlighting significant recruiting challenges.
Chad Bowden Hired, Recruiting Surge Begins
USC hired Chad Bowden as General Manager for its football program, leading to a significant recruiting surge and a revamped NFL-style front office.
Athletics Achieves High Academic Progress Rate
Thirteen USC Athletics programs matched or improved their multiyear Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores in 2025, with an overall score of 989, among the best in school history.
Carol Folt Officially Retires; Budget Deficit Announced
Carol Folt officially retired as USC's 12th president. Concurrently, USC announced an operating deficit exceeding $200 million for the fiscal year 2025, leading to widespread layoffs.
Student-Athletes Set New Academic Records
USC Athletics achieved a department-best cumulative GPA of 3.247 and a semester GPA of 3.270 in Fall 2025, with every team surpassing a 3.0 GPA.
Beong-Soo Kim Appointed 13th President
The USC Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Beong-Soo Kim as the university's 13th president, elevating him from his interim role.
Early Decision Admissions Expanded
USC's Provost announced the expansion of Early Decision to nearly all undergraduate programs, starting with Fall 2027 applicants, following a successful pilot.
Women's Water Polo Wins NCAA Championship
The USC Women's Water Polo team won the 2026 NCAA Championship, extending the university's streak of at least one national title for the sixth consecutive year.
$200 Million Gift for AI Research
USC received a historic $200 million gift from Mark and Mary Stevens to transform AI education and research, leading to the naming of the USC Mark and Mary Stevens School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence.
Class of 2026 Commencement
USC celebrated its 143rd commencement, with President Beong-Soo Kim delivering his first commencement address to the Class of 2026 at the Coliseum.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The University of Southern California has experienced a period of significant change and adaptation from 2024 to 2026, marked by leadership shifts, financial restructuring, and continued academic and athletic pursuits. Carol Folt, who became USC's president in 2019 with a mandate to restore trust after a series of high-profile scandals, announced her retirement in November 2024, effective July 2025. Her tenure concluded amidst criticism regarding the university's handling of pro-Palestinian protests in May 2024, which led to the cancellation of the main commencement ceremony and a faculty censure.
Following Folt's departure, Beong-Soo Kim, previously USC's senior vice president and general counsel, was appointed interim president in July 2024. After a competitive search, Kim was unanimously elected as the university's 13th president in February 2026. His appointment came as USC grappled with a substantial financial challenge, reporting an operating deficit exceeding $200 million for the fiscal year 2025. In response, the university implemented aggressive cost-cutting measures, including a hiring freeze, workforce reductions, and the layoff of nearly 1,000 employees. President Kim has expressed optimism about eliminating the long-term deficit by the end of fiscal year 2026.
Despite financial pressures, USC has maintained its commitment to academic excellence and innovation. In May 2026, the university received a historic $200 million gift from Mark and Mary Stevens to significantly advance AI research across various disciplines, leading to the naming of the USC Mark and Mary Stevens School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence. The university also expanded its admissions pathways, announcing in February 2026 the introduction of an Early Decision option for nearly all undergraduate programs, starting with Fall 2027 applicants, alongside its existing Early Action and Regular Decision tracks. Admissions remain highly competitive, with the Class of 2030 setting an all-time average GPA record of 3.92.
USC's athletic programs have continued their impressive performance, securing at least one national championship for six consecutive years. In April 2026, the Women's Water Polo team clinched the NCAA Championship, marking the eighth title in program history. The university has also seen a significant recruiting surge in its football program since January 2025, following the hiring of General Manager Chad Bowden and a revamped NFL-style front office, enabling USC to compete more effectively in the NIL era. Academically, student-athletes achieved record-setting performance in Fall 2025, with a department-best cumulative GPA of 3.247. As of May 2026, USC continues to celebrate its graduating classes, with President Kim delivering his first commencement address to the Class of 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if University of Southern California (USC) made different choices?