<div class="image-550">
<img src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources-22/usc.avif" alt="University of San Carlos" loading="lazy"  />
</div>
<h4>
Early Beginnings
</h4>
<p>
The roots of USC can be traced back to August 1, 1595, when Spanish Jesuits founded the Colegio de San Ildefonso in Cebu City. This institution was established to provide education to the local population and to train future priests. However, the Colegio de San Ildefonso was closed in 1769 following the expulsion of the Jesuits from the Philippines.
</p>
<h4>
Reestablishment and Growth
</h4>
<p>
In 1783, the Colegio de San Ildefonso was reopened as the Colegio-Seminario de San Carlos by Bishop Mateo Joaquin de Arevalo and continued to serve as a seminary and a college. The Vincentians or the Congregation of the Mission took over the administration of the school in 1867, further contributing to its growth and development.
</p>


<h4>
Transition to a University
</h4>
<p>
The Colegio de San Carlos was transferred to a new building on P. del Rosario Street in 1930. In 1935, the administration of the school was handed over to the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), which has managed the institution ever since. The Second World War brought significant challenges, including the occupation of the school by Japanese troops and its near destruction by bombing in 1944.
</p>
<p>
Despite these setbacks, the institution persevered and was granted university status on July 1, 1948. This marked the beginning of a new era for the University of San Carlos, which expanded its academic programs and research initiatives.
</p>
<h4>
Modern Era
</h4>
<p>
The post-war period saw rapid expansion and development at USC following Communist persecution of the foreign clergy in China in 1949. The university benefited from the migration of SVD priest-scholars from China, who brought with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise. This influx of talent helped establish USC as a center for pioneering research in various fields, including anthropology, physics, engineering and other fields.
</p>


The History of the University of San Carlos of Cebu