The University of Southern California (USC) offers a variety of financial aid options to help students manage the cost of their education. Financial aid packages often combine grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities to meet students’ needs.

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Types of Financial Aid at USC:

1. Scholarships:

• Merit-Based Scholarships:
  • Awarded to students with exceptional academic, leadership, or extracurricular achievements.
  • Examples include:
    • USC Trustee Scholarship (Full tuition).
    • USC Presidential Scholarship (Half tuition).
    • USC Dean’s Scholarship (Varies).
• Departmental Scholarships:
  • Offered by specific schools or programs based on academic excellence or field of study.
• External Scholarships:
  • USC encourages students to apply for external scholarships from third-party organizations.

2. Grants:

• USC University Grant:
  • Need-based grants provided to eligible undergraduate students.
• Federal and State Grants:
  • Pell Grant: For undergraduate students with significant financial need.
  • Cal Grant (California Residents): Awarded to California residents who meet financial and academic eligibility requirements.

3. Work-Study:

• Offers students part-time employment opportunities on campus or with approved off-campus employers to help cover expenses.

4. Loans:

• Federal Direct Loans: Low-interest loans for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens.
  • Subsidized Loans: No interest accrues while in school.
  • Unsubsidized Loans: Interest accrues immediately.
• Parent PLUS Loans: Available to parents of undergraduate students.
• Private Loans: Alternative loans from banks or other lenders.

5. Graduate and Professional Aid:

• Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, assistantships, and research funding through their specific programs.
• Federal loans and work-study are also available for graduate students.

6. International Students:

• While international students are not eligible for federal aid, USC offers scholarships and limited financial assistance for international applicants.
• External funding sources, like international scholarships or loans, are encouraged.

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How to Apply for Financial Aid:

1. Undergraduate Students:

   • Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at fafsa.gov.
   • Submit the CSS Profile via the College Board at cssprofile.collegeboard.org.
   • Deadlines: Typically align with admission deadlines (e.g., December 1 for merit consideration).

2. Graduate Students:

   • Submit the FAFSA for federal loans and work-study eligibility.
   • Check with your specific program for additional funding options or scholarships.

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Additional Resources:

• Financial Literacy: USC offers workshops and resources to help students manage their finances effectively.
• Emergency Loans: Short-term loans are available for students facing unexpected expenses.

For personalized guidance and additional details, visit the USC Financial Aid Office or contact them directly at:

• Phone: (213) 740-4444
• Email: financialaid@usc.edu.