<p>USC’s undergraduate program is top notch, but USC still needs to work on its graduate, professional, and research programs. That’s how most universities earn their prestige. Plus, it simply takes time to build a reputation. USC only started the drive to increase its academic standing about 20 years ago. </p>
<p>On the flip side, I personally think that many schools on the list, like Wisconsin and Michigan, are undeservedly riding reputations earned decades ago.</p>