Established in 1953 and formerly known as Los Angeles Normal School in 1881 for aspiring teachers and then, later renamed as University of California Southern Branch in 1919. The university has one of the finest academic reputations in the country and is considered as one of the “Public Ivies” providing an “Ivy League” college experience at public university prices. UCLA is counted among the best higher educational institutions in the country after University of California, Berkeley. The university is affiliated with the Association of American Universities, Universities Research Association, and Space-grant colleges.