2027-2028 First-Year Applicants
Applying for Financial Aid
Need-Based Financial Aid All applicants to USC can apply for need-based financial aid if they: • Are a U.S. citizen, eligible noncitizen such as a permanent resident, refugee or asylee; • Are an undocumented student who meets California Dream Act requirements or has Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status; • Possess a valid Social Security number (if required); and • Meet all published deadlines and submit any additional requested information in a timely manner. Your eligibility for federal, state and university need-based aid is based on your Student Aid Index (SAI) and the Expected Family Contribution.
CSS Profile for Noncustodial Parents USC requires noncustodial parents to report their income, assets and other information as part of the financial aid application process. USC will determine an expected contribution for the custodial parent, the noncustodial parent and the stepparent, as appropriate. Noncustodial parents should complete their own CSS Profile applications at cssprofile.collegeboard.org.
Your SAI is calculated by analyzing your family’s financial information, as provided in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and determines the amount of federal and state financial aid you may receive. USC determines your Expected Family Contribution by analyzing your family’s financial information, including all sources of income and assets, as well as your family size and the number of siblings enrolled simultaneously as undergraduates. Please visit the USC Financial Aid website at financialaid.usc.edu for more information about how your eligibility for financial aid is determined.
the “Document Library” of your USC Financial Aid Summary and Tasks (FAST) portal at financialaid.usc. edu/fast. Submission of this appeal does not guarantee a waiver of a contribution from the noncustodial parent.
Special Circumstances
If your family has special circumstances you would like us to consider, such as an involuntary job loss, reduction in salary, or high outof-pocket medical or dental expenses, please submit a detailed letter and If your noncustodial parent is not supporting documentation. For the able to provide their information, you fastest processing, submit documents may submit a Noncustodial Parent online. Visit financialaid.usc.edu/helpWaiver/Appeal form, available in contact for more information.
How to Apply Apply as soon as possible to ensure timely notification of your financial aid and to be considered for all possible funding. Deadlines accurate as of July 2026.
First-Year Deadlines for Applying for Financial Aid • Early Decision: November 1, 2026 • Early Action: November 15, 2026 • Regular Decision: February 3, 2027
Step 1: Complete the FAFSA Complete the 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for Direct Loans as well as for federal and state grants. • Report your 2025 parent and student income. • USC’s Federal School Code is 001328. • Apply as soon as possible after October 1, 2026, but no later than the appropriate deadline above.
Step 2: Complete the CSS Profile Complete the 2027-2028 CSS Profile Application online at cssprofile.collegeboard.org. CSS Profile and FAFSA information will be used to determine your eligibility for university need-based financial aid. • Report your 2025 parent and student income. • USC’s CSS School Code is 4852. • Apply as soon as possible after October 1, 2026, but no later than the appropriate deadline above. • Be sure to include your Social Security number, if applicable.
Step 3: Cal Grant due by March 2, 2027 (California residents only) Submit the FAFSA and have the school you most recently attended submit your certified GPA to the Cal Grant program. Your school may upload GPA information directly to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). If they are unable to submit your GPA information electronically, request that your school certify a paper Cal Grant GPA Verification form, available at csac.ca.gov. Students with AB-540 status or those who meet certain other requirements may be eligible for the California Dream Grant by submitting the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) instead of the FAFSA. Visit dream.csac.ca.gov for more information and application instructions. You must submit your application no later than the appropriate deadline above and submit your GPA Verification form to CSAC by March 2.
Step 4: Provide Requested Documents or Information We may request additional information or documents to complete our review of your application. Respond to any requests within 10 business days.
Types of Aid USC Merit Scholarships
an approved work-study job. Workstudy awards range from $500 to $4,750 per year. Every two weeks you will receive a paycheck for hours worked.
To be considered for USC Merit Scholarships, first-year applicants must apply for admission by November 1 (Early Decision or Early Action) or by December 1 (Regular Direct Loans Decision for performing arts majors). To learn more about which deadline Federal Direct Loans include Subapplies to your major of interest, sidized and Unsubsidized Loans for visit admission.usc.edu/deadlines. student borrowers, as well as the Parent PLUS Loan,* which is available Scholarships are awarded by the to parents of dependent undergraduate Office of Admission based on academic excellence, leadership, students. Please visit financialaid.usc. service and talent. Some edu/loans for more details. scholarships sponsored by USC *For more information on new borrowing limits organizations outside the Office of Admission may require an additional visit financialaid.usc.edu/loans. application. Please visit admission. usc.edu/scholarships for more information. USC Merit Scholarships are administered consistent with the University’s Notice of NonDiscrimination. Recipients are chosen without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited characteristic.
Need-Based Grants These include federal, state and university grants awarded based on demonstrated financial need. Grants do not have to be paid back.
Costs The following are the 2026-2027 estimated costs for two semesters of full-time enrollment (12-18 units each semester) for undergraduate students living in university housing. Tuition
$ 75,384
Fees
$ 1,952
University housing
$ 13,510
Food/meal plan
$ 8,442
Books and supplies
$ 670
Personal and miscellaneous
$ 2,016
Transportation
$ 1,188
Total estimated costs
$ 103,162
(Add $450 New Student Fee for your first semester.)
Federal Work-Study If you are awarded Federal WorkStudy, you will be able to work at
Loan Disclosure: Federal Direct Loans issued on or after July 1, 2026, offer access to the Repayment Assistance Program (RAP). Eligibility for these loans is determined by enrollment status rather than income or credit history.
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