News Summary
UCLA and USC are experiencing significant challenges due to federal funding cuts and decreases in their college rankings. UCLA has fallen to No. 17 while USC stands at No. 28. A suspension of $584 million in federal grants due to alleged civil rights violations has raised concerns about faculty and financial resources. The impact on diversity initiatives and academic performance could affect both institutions’ standing in the future. Athletically, however, both universities have found success, particularly in water polo and basketball.
Los Angeles – UCLA and USC are facing significant challenges as they deal with federal funding cuts and a decrease in their rankings in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report college rankings. UCLA has fallen to No. 17, down from No. 15, while USC has dropped to No. 28 from No. 27. The cuts in federal funding pose threats to faculty and financial resources at both prestigious universities. In August, the federal government suspended $584 million in grants due to alleged civil rights violations related to antisemitism and affirmative action. Although a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore the funding, the status of the appeal remains uncertain.
The impact of these funding issues and modifications to diversity and inclusion initiatives has raised concerns about the long-term implications for both institutions. The U.S. Department of Education has also encouraged schools to eliminate programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), warning that failing to do so could jeopardize their federal funding.
Factors contributing to the college rankings primarily include graduation rates and average student debt. UCLA currently holds an 85% four-year graduation rate, with an average graduate debt of $19,209. In contrast, USC has a lower four-year graduation rate of 74%, and its average graduate debt stands at $27,678.
In terms of post-graduation earnings, USC alumni report a median salary of $74,000 six years after graduation, whereas UCLA graduates earn a median salary of $59,000 during the same timeframe. The changes in federal funding and DEI policies could further affect the financial resources available to both institutions, potentially resulting in a decline in rankings in subsequent years.
Recent Athletic Achievements
Despite these challenges in academics and funding, both UCLA and USC have found success in collegiate athletics. Their water polo teams recently topped the Collegiate Water Polo Association preseason rankings, with UCLA ranked No. 1 and USC at No. 2. Furthermore, in a notable basketball performance, JuJu Watkins from USC achieved historical milestones against UCLA. Watkins scored 38 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, provided 5 assists, and blocked 8 shots in a game-winning effort. This performance marked her as the first Division I player in the past 20 seasons to accomplish at least 35 points, 5 blocks, and 5 assists in a single game.
USC’s victory over UCLA was particularly significant as it solidified their position at the top of the Big Ten conference. Watkins attributed her success not only to her scoring abilities but also to her defensive contributions and teamwork. The accomplishments in the athletics department stand in stark contrast to the academic and financial struggles currently facing both institutions.
Conclusion
The hurdles faced by UCLA and USC during this tumultuous period reflect the larger issues within higher education, particularly concerning funding and diversity policies. Both universities may need to reassess their strategies in light of these challenges to maintain their academic reputations and rankings in the future. The continuing developments in federal funding and related challenges could have lasting effects on the landscape of higher education for these two renowned institutions.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Los Angeles: UCLA and USC Rankings
- Swimming World Magazine: Preseason Men’s Water Polo Rankings
- ESPN: JuJu Watkins Dazzles in USC Victory Against UCLA
- Sports Illustrated: UCLA and USC Football Updates
- Fox Sports: How to Watch UCLA vs. USC
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
