<p>USC is not particularly prestigious. But as an undergraduate institution, it is as (if not more) “prestigious” as some other so-called “top-tier” schools such as Michigan, UNC and UCLA. It is certainly as selective.</p>
<p>Yes, USC is non-elite because it needs to offer financial incentives to attract top students. But that is also true of public schools like Michigan, UNC and UCLA which have built-in financial incentives, especially for their in-state students. Many of them would have chosen private alternatives if it were not for cost.</p>