2023-2024 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 non-citizen (such as a permanent resident, refugee or asylee), or undocumented person (meeting certain criteria); • Possess a valid Social Security number (if required); and • Are registered with the Selective Service System (if required). Your eligibility for federal and university need-based aid is based on two factors: the cost of attendance and your 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. If your noncustodial parent is not able to provide their information, or has special circumstances that affect the amount that they would be expected to contribute toward
The cost of attendance includes tuition and fees; average on- or off-campus housing and a meal plan; and estimated costs for books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses (clothing, toiletries, entertainment and so forth). Your expected family contribution is determined by analyzing your family’s financial information, as provided in the application process. The amount of financial aid you may receive is calculated by subtracting your expected family contribution from the cost of attendance.
your educational expenses, you may provide that information by submitting a Noncustodial Parent Waiver/Special Circumstances form, available in the Document Library tab of your USC Financial Aid Summary & Tasks (FAST) page at financialaid.usc.edu/fast.
Special Circumstances If your family has special circumstances you would like us to consider, such as job loss, reduction in salary, or high out-ofpocket medical or dental expenses, please submit a detailed letter and supporting documentation. For the fastest processing, submit documents online. Visit financialaid.usc.edu/ contactfao 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. Step 1: FAFSA due by February 10, 2023 Early Action applicants: Apply by January 9, 2023. Complete the 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for the Direct Loan as well as for federal and state grants. • Report your 2021 parent and student income. For the most efficient processing, use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool within the FAFSA. • USC’s Federal School Code is 001328. • Apply as soon as possible after October 1, 2022 (when the 2023-24 FAFSA becomes available), but no later than the appropriate deadline above. Step 2: CSS Profile due by February 10, 2023 Early Action applicants: Apply by January 9, 2023. Complete the 2023-2024 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 2021 parent and student income. • USC’s CSS School Code is 4852. • Apply as soon as possible after October 1, 2022, but no later than the appropriate deadline above. • Be sure to include your Social Security number. Step 3: Cal Grant due by March 2, 2023 (California residents only) Submit the FAFSA and have the school you currently attend or 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’s system. If electronic submission is unavailable, 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. Visit dream.csac.ca.gov for more information and application instructions. You must also submit your application and 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
Direct Loans
To be considered for USC Merit Scholarships, which range in value from a few thousand dollars to full tuition, first-year applicants must apply by November 1 (Early Action) or by December 1 (Regular Decision for some majors). To learn more about which deadline applies to your major of interest, visit admission. usc.edu/deadlines.
Federal Direct Loans include Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans for student borrowers and the Parent PLUS Loan, which is available to parents of dependent undergraduate students. Please visit financialaid.usc.edu/loans for more details.
Scholarships are awarded by the Office of Admission based on academic excellence, leadership, service and talent. Some scholarships sponsored by USC organizations outside the Office of Admission may require an additional application. Please visit admission.usc.edu/ scholarships for more information.
Costs
Need-Based Grants
University housing
These include federal, state and university grants awarded based on demonstrated financial need. Grants do not have to be paid back.
Federal Work-Study If you are awarded Federal WorkStudy, you will be able to work at an approved work-study job. Work-study awards range from $500 to $3,750 per year. Every two weeks you will receive a paycheck for hours worked.
The following are the 2022-2023 estimated costs for two semesters of full-time enrollment (12-18 units each semester) for undergraduate students living in university housing.
Tuition Fees
$ 63,468 $ 1,258 $ 10,506
Dining and meals
$6,930
Books and supplies
$ 1,200
Personal and miscellaneous
$ 1,702
Transportation
$ 584
Total estimated costs $ 85,648 (Add $450 New Student Fee for your first semester.)
Federal student loans are required by law to provide a range of flexible repayment options, including but not limited to Income-Based Repayment and Income-Contingent Repayment plans, as well as loan forgiveness benefits, which other student loans are not required to provide. Direct Loans are available to students regardless of income. @USCFinancialAid
@USCFinancialAidTV
financialaid.usc.edu