Investing in Your Future
2027
Financial Aid and USC
Table of Contents Introduction
2
Funding Your College Education Types of Aid Family and Student Savings Grants Scholarships Employment Understanding and Managing Loans
4 5 6 7 8 10 11
How It Works: Financial Aid at USC About USC USC at a Glance How Much Financial Aid Does USC Award? Sources and Amounts of Financial Aid Awarded Need-Based Financial Aid How to Apply Understanding Your Financial Aid Summary Covering Your Out-of-Pocket Expenses
18 18 19 20 21 22 24 26 28
Online Resources
29
Introduction
Four years of study… A lifetime of benefits A college degree is an investment in your education and, more importantly, your future. It is also a significant financial investment, which might seem overwhelming at first. Yet, despite the rising costs associated with higher education, obtaining your college degree may be more affordable than you think. Although tuition at a top-tier university may be more than that of a state college or university, students at private universities typically receive more aid in the form of scholarships and grants — funds that do not need to be repaid upon graduation.
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These students are also more likely to complete their degree objectives in four years. At USC, most students successfully complete a double major or major-minor combination within four years.
A college degree can play a key role in creating a stable life, not only for yourself, but also for your family. A college education also means you can reap greater rewards and be fully prepared to contribute to society throughout your lifetime. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: • In 2024, the unemployment rate for those with bachelor’s or advanced degrees was significantly less than that for those with little or no college education. • In 2024, those with a bachelor’s or advanced degree earned almost twice as much as those with just a high school education.
The rewards of a college education don’t end at graduation. Imagine what you can accomplish in four years—and beyond.
• College graduates often enjoy greater job satisfaction, more stable career prospects and greater access to health insurance and benefits. 2024 Employment Projections, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov/ emp/chart-unemployment-earningseducation.htm
3
Funding Your College Education
Many programs exist to help students and families pay for a college education. Undergraduate financial aid includes grants, scholarships, loans and Federal Work-Study. The amounts and types of aid students receive can be based on financial need or provided without regard to need. Need-based financial aid may come from the federal government, the state, or the institution. Some funds, such as grants, scholarships and Federal Work-Study, do not need to be repaid. Loans, however, do need to be repaid after graduation, meaning that students and families who choose to take out loans should plan accordingly.
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Types of Aid Family and Student Savings
529 Savings Plan, bank and/or investment accounts
Merit Scholarships
No repayment
Scholarships based on talent or academic achievement, without regard to need, from the university or other sources
Employment and Federal WorkStudy
Earned wages; no repayment
Student receives wages as an employee for hours worked, up to a predetermined total per year
Need-Based Grants
No repayment
Federal and state grants, USC University Grant
Federal Direct Student Loans
Must repay with interest; fixed rate
Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
Federal Direct Parent Loan
Credit-based; must repay with interest; fixed rate
Direct Parent PLUS Loan
Private Loans
Must repay with interest; variable rates based on borrower and/or co-borrower credit scores
Various banks and lending institutions
Parent borrowers are subject to an annual limit of $20,000 per child and an aggregate limit of $65,000 per child.
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Funding Your College Education
Family and Student Savings No matter how much federal, state and university financial aid you may qualify for, you will still need funds to pay for any expenses not covered by financial aid, and for any other personal expenses you may have, such as your phone bill. Interest-bearing savings accounts are a good way to plan for and cover any out-of-pocket expenses you incur while you are in school. Keep in mind that parent savings and investments have a smaller impact than student assets on calculations of the total family contribution. Good news if you have a 529 or Coverdell savings plan: Account holders are not required to pay federal income tax on the money they withdraw from these savings plans to pay for college expenses. (State income tax rules vary.) Visit collegesavings.org for more information about 529 Savings Plans. 6
Private College 529 Plan Several private institutions, including USC, participate in the Private College 529 Plan, a prepaid tuition plan owned and operated by private colleges and universities. It is NOT a 529 savings plan sponsored by a state. The plan allows families to pay for future tuition at current rates. Assets can be used to pay for only undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees. Please visit collegewell.com/private-college-529plan or call 1-888-718-7878 for more information.
Grants Federal Grants
State Grants
Federal student aid may be awarded in the form of grants, which do not have to be repaid after graduation.
Most of these programs are for state residents attending an instate college or university. They are typically used to pay tuition and fees but may also include a living stipend or allowance. A limited number of states have programs that enable residents to use a state grant at an out-of-state college. For more information, visit ed.gov/grantsand-programs.
Federal grant programs include: • The Federal Pell Grant. This program provides funds for students with exceptional financial need. • The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). This program provides additional grant funding to students with exceptional financial need. Please visit studentaid.gov for more information about these programs.
USC University Grant Funded and awarded by USC, the University Grant is need-based, calculated after your available federal and state aid has been determined.
The state grant available for California residents is called the Cal Grant. To qualify, you need to: • Demonstrate financial need, with income and assets below the state-established limits; • Meet academic requirements (a grade point average of at least 2.0 or 3.0, depending on the type of grant); and • Plan to be enrolled at least half-time. Students who meet the criteria established by California Assembly Bill 540 (also known as the “California Dream Act”) may be eligible to receive a California Dream Grant. Visit csac.ca.gov for more information.
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Funding Your College Education
Scholarships Scholarships are typically awarded by universities and other organizations for outstanding academic achievement, special talents and other personal characteristics, without regard to an applicant’s financial need. They can be awarded to cover tuition and fees only, or they can cover living and other expenses as well. (Scholarship programs will typically stipulate what their awards can and cannot be used for.) They do not need to be repaid after the student graduates.
To find more information about scholarships: • Visit the websites of your university’s offices of admission and financial aid or academic departments. • Visit online databases that offer free search services. (See page 29 for a list of databases.) • Ask your college counselor and check the bulletin boards in the guidance office at your school. • Check with your parents’ workplaces. Businesses often establish scholarships for children of employees. Never pay for a scholarship search—all the information you need is available for free!
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Sources for Scholarships • University admission and financial aid offices or academic departments • Community and civic groups (Elks Club, Kiwanis, etc.) • Credit unions • Clubs and membership organizations • Fraternities and sororities • Labor unions • Cultural or ethnic organizations (Hispanic Scholarship Fund, National Urban League, National Italian American Foundation, etc.)
• Professional associations (National Society of Professional Engineers, National Student Nurses Association, etc.) • Religious organizations (United Methodist Church, Knights of Columbus, etc.) • ROTC (Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy) • Veterans’ associations (for children of current, retired or deceased military personnel) • U.S. corporations
USC Merit Scholarships USC administers several prestigious scholarship programs. Awarded by the USC Office of Undergraduate Admission, USC Merit Scholarships are based primarily on academic excellence, leadership, service and talent. Visit admission.usc.edu/scholarships for more information and application deadlines.
Other Scholarships Other scholarships offered by USC organizations outside the Office of Admission are available. They may require a separate application. Please visit admission.usc.edu/ scholarships for details. USC 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. 9
Funding Your College Education
Employment Many college students work part-time during the academic year and summers. Besides earning money to help pay for college expenses and personal needs, working part-time is a great way to gain experience and build your résumé.
Campus Jobs
Federal Work-Study
Numerous jobs are available on campus. Many will require you to have a work-study award, but others are open to students without workstudy. You might be a campus tour guide, an office assistant or a computer or science lab assistant. Students can browse or search current job postings through the Career Center at careers.usc.edu. Jobs can also be found through the school’s newspaper, job boards or by word-of-mouth. We encourage USC students to attend the job fair held at the beginning of each semester as well.
Federal Work-Study funds are allocated to students with financial need, as determined by a review of the financial aid application. The award amount represents the total wages a student may earn from onor off-campus employment under the Federal Work-Study program for that academic year.
Trojan Voices “I have been able to enjoy an undergraduate experience not many people of my background get to have — a world-class education.” EZRA YU | MAJOR: BIOCHEMISTRY 10
Understanding and Managing Loans Many students and families borrow money to assist in financing a college education. Loans are considered part of the family’s investment in a student’s education and become the student’s and/ or family’s responsibility to manage and repay once the student graduates. Like credit cards, loans can be either a big help or a trap. They must be repaid with interest, and the lender or government may charge extra fees to obtain the loan. Be careful not to take on more debt than you will be able to repay. Your best strategy is to borrow no more than you absolutely need.
Your eligibility for loans can be based either on your financial need (need-based) or on your cost of attendance (non–needbased). When searching for loans, you should always start with those offered by the federal government, as their terms are usually the most favorable.
Interest Rates for Federal Direct Loans Loan Type
First Disbursed
Interest Rate
Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
6.52%
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027
9.07% 11
Funding Your College Education
The Federal Direct Loan Program All Direct and PLUS loans are offered through the Direct Loan Program. Funded by the U.S. Treasury and serviced by the U.S. Department of Education, Direct Loans offer borrowers a stable funding source shielded from changes in the national economy. The program also provides students and their families a single point of contact for the management of all Direct Loans. Please visit studentaid.gov or financialaid.usc.edu/loans for more details about the program and its benefits. Each May, the federal government sets the interest rate for Direct Loans that will be disbursed during the upcoming academic year. Once set, the interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan. For more information about the current interest rates and fees for the Direct Loan Program, visit studentaid.gov.
Advantages of Direct Loans: • Fixed interest rates. • Subsidized loan programs: You may be eligible to borrow loans for which the federal government pays the interest while you are in school. • No credit checks: Federal student loans for undergraduates are not based on the student’s credit history. (Additional loans available to the parents of undergraduate students do require a credit check.) • Loan forgiveness and other repayment options: You may be able to take advantage of federal loan forgiveness programs or repayment plans to help manage your debt after graduation. (For more information, see pages 15-16.)
Loan Alert! When you borrow a loan, be sure to fully understand: • How much you will owe. • When you must begin repayment. • Your repayment options. • The penalties for late payment and defaulting (failing to make payments).
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Need–Based Federal Loans Direct Subsidized Loan • Based on financial need. • For loans disbursed on or after October 1, 2020, the loan fee is 1.057 percent. • The federal government pays the interest on the loan while you are enrolled with at least half-time status. • Payments and interest accrual begin six months after you graduate or drop below halftime status. • Amount you can borrow depends on your class level (see box on the right). • First-time borrowers in the Direct Loan Program must sign a promissory note, which is a binding legal document. • Standard repayment term is 10 years.
Annual Subsidized Loan Limits First-Year Students: $3,500 Sophomores: $4,500 Juniors or Seniors: $5,500 Maximum total student debt from Subsidized Loans: $23,000
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Funding Your College Education
Non–Need-Based Federal Loans Direct Unsubsidized Loans • Available to borrowers who do not qualify for the Subsidized Loan, or to borrowers who do qualify but need additional funds. You can receive both loans at the same time. • Interest rates and origination fees are the same as for Subsidized Loans. • Interest begins accruing immediately and is added to the principal at repayment. • Payments begin six months after you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment. • First-time borrowers in the Direct Loan Program must sign a promissory note, which is a binding legal document. • Standard repayment term is 10 years.
Annual Unsubsidized Loan Limits All dependent borrowers: $2,000 For dependent undergraduates, the maximum total student debt from Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans is $31,000. However, the maximum is $57,500 if you are independent according to federal rules or standards, or if your parents are unable to borrow under the Direct PLUS Loan Program. 14
Direct Parent PLUS Loan for Undergraduate Students • Unlike the previous loans, this one must be borrowed by a (biological or adoptive) parent or stepparent. • Based on the borrower’s credit history — a credit check is required. (Bankruptcy, previous loan defaults or credit card delinquency can disqualify potential borrowers. Parents may apply with a co-signer or endorser.) • Your parents may borrow up to $20,000 annually, with an aggregate limit of $65,000 per child. • Your parents will be charged a loan origination fee of 4.228 percent (for loans disbursed after October 1, 2020). • Interest accrues from the day the loan is disbursed. • Unlike other federal loans, repayment begins 60 days after full disbursement. • Loan payments may be deferred while the student is enrolled at least half-time.
Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs The U.S. Department of Education offers several programs to help manage your student loan debt once you graduate. Be sure to compare options and read all the disclosures. Some options may lower your monthly payments in the short term while increasing your costs over the long term. See the table on page 16 or visit studentaid.gov for more information. These options are available only for federal student loans. Direct Consolidation Loan Program This program enables you to combine any or all of your eligible outstanding federal student loans into one new loan with one monthly payment. The new loan will have a fixed interest rate set at the weighted average of the interest rates of the underlying loans. It may have an extended repayment period of up to 30 years. AmeriCorps/Teach for America This network of local, state and national service programs offers full-time employment with public agencies, community organizations and other groups. Jobs include
tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged youth, managing after-school programs, restoring parks, building affordable housing and improving health services. Please visit americorps.gov for more information. Both programs may allow you to postpone payment and subsidize accruing interest. Teacher Loan Forgiveness Borrowers who teach full-time after graduation in a qualified lowincome elementary or secondary school for five years can have up to $5,000 of their outstanding federal student loans forgiven. The money will be paid to the loan service agent at the end of the student’s teaching service. Students who are considered highly qualified teachers of math, science or special education may have up to $17,500 of their outstanding federal student loans forgiven. Please visit studentaid.gov for more information. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Forgiveness may be an option for borrowers who are: • Employed by any nonprofit, taxexempt 501(c)(3) organization; (Continued on next page.)
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Funding Your College Education • Employed full-time by the federal government, a state government, a local government, or a tribal government (including the military and public schools and colleges). • Serving in a full-time AmeriCorps, Teach for America or Peace Corps position. • Enrolled in an eligible repayment plan. Borrowers enrolled in the Tiered Standard repayment plan after July 1, 2026, may not qualify. Visit studentaid.gov for more details.
Repayment Plan. Visit studentaid.gov for more information. State Loan Forgiveness Programs In addition to the federal government, states also run programs to support students preparing for specific professions, including teaching and health-related careers. For more information, check with your state’s board of education or similar agency.
Student Loan Interest Deduction
Remaining debt can be forgiven after 10 years of eligible employment and qualifying loan payments under a qualifying income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, or the 10-year Standard
The interest you pay on a qualified student loan can reduce the amount of your income subject to federal taxes by up to $2,500, depending on your income. For more information on this and other tax benefits that may be available to you, refer to IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education.
Federal Loan Repayment Plans: Pros and Cons These cover the two primary repayment plans that will be available after July 1, 2026. For more options and detailed information, please visit studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans.
Loan Type
Description
Pro
Con
Tiered Standard
Fixed monthly payments based on the total loan amount owed, with maximum term of 25 years.
Your total payments will be less than with any other option.
At the start of your career, it can be difficult to afford the payments. Not eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Repayment Assistance Plan
Payments based on a percentage of your Adjusted Gross Income.
Easier to afford when you are right out of college. Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
You pay more over the life of the loan.
Loan Consolidation
Allows you to combine any or all of your federal loans into a single new loan. You can choose any of the above repayment plans.
The convenience of having just one payment. Lower monthly payments (by extending the payment term for more years).
If you extend repayments over more years by consolidating, the total cost of your loans will increase.
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Private Loans Prior to applying for private financing: Students should exhaust all Federal Title IV assistance available, including Federal Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and the Direct Parent PLUS Loan. The repayment terms of federal loan programs may be more favorable than the terms of private loan programs. Private student loans are NOT required to offer the borrower benefits offered by federal student loans, including income-driven repayment plans, such as RAP, and loan forgiveness options. Lenders set their own terms, so borrowers often face rigid, fixed payments, regardless of income, with no guaranteed relief. Also note: Private student loans may not be included in Direct Consolidation Loans, are not eligible for Federal Income-Based Repayment Plans and are not eligible for Federal Economic Hardship Deferments. Unlike federal loans, some private loans have a variable interest rate with no rate cap, which means your monthly payments could increase significantly in years to come. The interest rate you are quoted by the lender will depend primarily on your credit score.
Comparing Private Loan Offers Shop around. Be sure to apply for a loan with more than one lender to ensure you receive the best possible rate. Look at interest rates and loan terms. Look for the lowest rate with the lowest cap. Your Truth in Lending Act (TILA) Disclosure will include estimates of total interest charges. Compare the total cost of repayment with other loan offers.
Always apply with a creditworthy co-borrower to reduce your costs. Keep in mind that you may not qualify for advertised interest rates. Always beware of the fine print regarding discounts, penalties, fees and capitalization. Questions to Ask Lenders About Fees • What actions (such as a late payment) will trigger a fee? • How much are the fees? • How is the fee calculated? • Are fees “wrapped” into the loan? (If so, you will be paying interest on them, increasing their overall cost.) • Will I be required to pay service charges once I enter repayment on the loan? Carefully read all the information provided in the lender’s Truth in Lending Act (TILA) Loan Application and Solicitation Disclosures. 17 17
How It Works: Financial Aid at USC
About USC Founded in 1880, the University of Southern California has become one of the top private research universities in the country, comprising a liberal arts college and 17 undergraduate schools. USC offers world-class undergraduate programs in virtually every field of study, with an interdisciplinary approach that combines theory and practice. Actively engaged in research and professional work, USC’s distinguished faculty share the excitement of intellectual discovery with the students they teach. USC is located in Los Angeles, a dynamic world center populated 18
by more than 100 nationalities and home to industry leaders in aerospace, entertainment, finance, technology, pharmaceuticals and telecommunication. In addition to great weather and nearby beaches, the city boasts a youthful, entrepreneurial spirit and an economy that ranks among the top 20 in the world. All USC students gain the lifelong networking benefits of membership in the Trojan Family.
USC at a Glance 21,000
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
25,000 GRADUATE STUDENTS
What We Look For USC looks for consistently strong academic performance throughout high school. We are particularly interested in the type of courses you take and the trend of your junior- and senior-year grades. Your academic record is also evaluated within the context of your high school. Most firstyear students at USC are selected from the top 10 percent of their high school classes.
4,578
FULL-TIME FACULTY
9:1
STUDENT-TO-FACULTY RATIO
Varsity Teams
10
MEN’S
25
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
13
WOMEN’S
6
PERFORMING ARTS VENUES
Student Demographics
1,000+
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
50+
PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS WHO VOLUNTEER
50
STATES
130
COUNTRIES
19
How It Works: Financial Aid at USC
How Much Financial Aid Does USC Award? At USC, we work with families to meet a student’s full USC-determined financial need, subject to review of the student’s financial aid application and the family’s finances. Nearly two-thirds of USC undergraduate students receive financial aid, in the form of merit scholarships, need-based grants, Federal Work-Study and student loans.
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Sources and amounts of financial aid awarded to all undergraduates AY 2025-26. Total: $936 Million
Federal Parent PLUS Loans $77.7 Million - 7.8%
Private Loans $34.2 Million - 3.0% USC Grants and Scholarships $541.5 Million - 59.6%
Federal Student Loans $72.5 Million - 8.0%
Federal Work-Study $31.2 Million - 2.9%
Other Scholarships $112.6 Million - 10.7%
State Grants $29.8 Million - 3.1% Federal Grants $36.0 Million - 4.4%
Average aid provided to recipients
$52,655
AVERAGE NEED-BASED GRANTS
$4,273
AVERAGE FEDERAL WORK-STUDY
$6,567
AVERAGE STUDENT LOAN 21
How It Works: Financial Aid at USC
Need–Based Financial Aid: Basic Requirements All applicants to USC can apply if they: • Are a U.S. citizen, eligible noncitizen (such as a permanent resident, refugee or asylee); or • Are an undocumented student who meets California Dream Act requirements or have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status; • Possess a valid Social Security number (if required). Although international students are not eligible to receive federal or USC need-based financial aid, they may be awarded merit scholarships and/or other departmental awards. Additionally, international students may apply for some private loans, typically with a qualified co-signer who is a U.S. citizen. USC administers one of the largest financial aid programs of any private university in the country. However, the allocation of financial aid funds is restricted by federal and state regulations and university policy. Cal Grants may be impacted by changes in the California state budget. Some programs such 22
as the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant are restricted to those students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Undocumented students, including those who qualify for the California Dream Grant, may receive university aid but will not be eligible to receive federal financial aid (Pell Grants and Direct Loans). To receive any aid for which they may be eligible, applicants must meet all published deadlines and submit any additional information requested. Applicants who miss any published deadline may be considered for reduced funds.
How Your Financial Aid Is Determined Your eligibility for federal and university need-based aid is based on the cost of attendance (COA), your Student Aid Index (SAI), and the USC-determined Expected Family Contribution (EFC). USC determines your Expected Family Contribution by analyzing your family’s financial information, as provided in the application process.
The Cost of Attendance The cost of attendance (COA) includes a college’s tuition and fees, on- or off-
campus housing and food, as well as allowances for the estimated costs of books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses (clothing, toiletries, entertainment and so forth).
• How many children in your family are full-time undergraduates in college.
Calculating the SAI
Your SAI and other financial assistance are then subtracted from the COA:
All colleges use a need analysis (called the Federal Methodology) to calculate your SAI, which determines the amount of federal student aid for which you qualify. Your SAI is based on an analysis of your family’s financial information, as indicated in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It includes a review of:
USC’s IM need analysis formula is proprietary and unique to USC.
Cost of Attendance
-
EFC Federal Student Aid (SAI) Other Financial Aid Assistance
= USC Need-Based Eligibility
• Your parents’ taxable and untaxed income. • Family assets.
Calculating Your EFC Many private institutions, including USC, also use an Institutional Methodology (IM) to determine the amount of university aid for which you qualify. At USC, your EFC is based on a review of the CSS Profile and additional financial documents requested to determine your family’s financial strength. We evaluate elements such as: • All sources of family income (taxed and untaxed). • Assets: liquid and illiquid.
USC is required to consider all your resources when determining your eligibility. Not all students who apply for need-based financial aid will be eligible to receive it. Students and families who do not qualify for need-based aid may wish to consider funding options that are not dependent on need, such as the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Direct Parent PLUS Loan, alternative financing options such as tuition prepayment or installment plans, and private loan programs. (Please see page 17 for important information regarding private loans.) 23
How It Works: Financial Aid at USC
How to Apply To apply for federal and university need-based financial aid, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. To be considered for the California Dream Grant, AB540eligible students may complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) instead of the FAFSA.
APPLICATION DEADLINES First-Year Applicants:
Transfer Applicants:
• Early Decision: November 1, 2026 • Early Action: November 15, 2026 • Regular Decision: February 3, 2027
March 2, 2027
Step 1. 2027-2028 FAFSA
Step 2. 2027-2028 CSS Profile
Determines your eligibility for Direct Loans, including the Direct Parent PLUS Loan, as well as for federal and state grants.
Along with your FAFSA or CADAA, helps determine your eligibility for university need-based financial aid.
Apply at studentaid.gov.* •
Contributors (students and parents) must consent to having their 2025 income tax data imported directly from the IRS.
•
USC’s Federal School Code is 001328.
•
Apply as soon as possible after the FAFSA becomes available in October, but no later than the appropriate deadline above. *AB540-eligible students should submit the CADAA instead: dream.csac.ca.gov
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Complete the application online at cssprofile.collegeboard.org. •
Report 2025 parent and student income on your Profile.
•
USC’s CSS School Code is 4852.
•
The CSS Profile is available beginning October 1, 2026.
•
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 you have one).
Step 3. Cal Grant California residents only: First-years and transfers: Due by March 2, 2027. First-Year and Transfer Applicants Not Currently Receiving a Cal Grant: 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’s system, or you may request that your school certify a paper Cal Grant GPA Verification form, available at csac.ca.gov. Transfer Students Currently Receiving a Cal Grant: If you received a Cal Grant at your previous college, you will need to transfer the grant to USC by posting a school change on WebGrants for Students at mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov. AB540-Eligible Students: You must complete the online California Dream Act Application by the deadline above. Visit dream.csac.ca.gov to apply. Your GPA Verification form must also be submitted to CSAC by this date.
Step 4. Provide Additional Materials To assist us in our review of your application, you may be required to submit additional tax information or other documentation regarding your family circumstances. You will be notified electronically of any additional requirements. We encourage you to upload all documents online as soon as possible to prevent unnecessary delays in processing your application.
Tips for completing the FAFSA • Visit studentaid.gov to register for your Federal Student Aid I.D. (FSA ID). You will be asked to verify your identity and create a unique login and password, which will allow you to access all your federal financial aid information and sign your FAFSA. • Any contributors to your FAFSA (including you and your parents) will be asked to consent to having their most recent tax return information imported directly from the IRS into the FAFSA. • To help you understand the amounts and kinds of federal aid you may be eligible for, visit the Federal Student Aid Estimator at studentaid.gov/aidestimator. • You can also view the lookup tables at studentaid.gov to estimate your eligibility for Pell Grants. • The FAFSA is free. You should never pay to complete a FAFSA. 25
How It Works: Financial Aid at USC
Understanding Your Financial Aid Summary If you are admitted to USC, your financial aid summary will inform you of the financial aid you are eligible to receive, which may include a combination of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study. We encourage you to carefully consider which types of aid make the most sense for your situation. Please note that only admitted students will receive a financial aid summary.
Scholarships and Financial Aid When you receive your summary, note how much of the offer is composed of grants and scholarships versus loans. Also note whether your scholarships are renewable for future years. To receive your loans, visit financialaid.usc. edu/loans and initiate a loan application and approval. You will receive separate instructions to help you through this process.
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The total financial aid you receive cannot exceed your cost of attendance. When coordinating scholarships with financial aid, our office makes every attempt to preserve any university need-based grant you may have been awarded. In most cases, a new merit scholarship received after your initial financial aid package will reduce the amounts of your Federal WorkStudy and federal loans. Your total financial aid may also increase, allowing your Direct Loan or other student loan to cover any remaining expenses. Federal regulations require such awards to be counted as financial aid rather than as part of the family contribution. In some cases, the university need-based grant may be reduced.
Federal Work-Study To take advantage of Federal WorkStudy funds, you must be employed at an approved work-study job (up to 20 hours per week). You will receive a paycheck for hours worked, according to the university’s pay schedule. Most Federal Work-Study jobs will be available on the University Park or Health Sciences campuses. You may also find opportunities off campus with local nonprofit organizations, such as the museums in Exposition Park. If you are awarded Federal Work-Study, you will be invited to a job fair during Welcome Week to help find the right job for you.
Appeals If your family experiences special circumstances that significantly affect your ability to pay for college (such as an extended illness or job loss) after you’ve submitted your aid application, you may submit an appeal. Please notify the Financial Aid Office in writing, outlining the circumstances, via financialaid.usc.edu/fast. Include copies of appropriate supporting documentation not already submitted. Appeal requests are not guaranteed approvals.
Note Regarding Net Price and Comparing Offers When comparing financial aid offers, be sure to compare the “net price” — defined as the total cost of attendance minus all gift aid (grants and scholarships), before any other sources (such as loans and employment) are applied. Your remaining costs may be financed with loans, employment and other resources. All colleges and universities are required to post a net price calculator on their website. We encourage you to visit our Financial Aid Calculators at financialaid.usc.edu/calculators to help you better understand the cost of a USC education and determine if you might qualify for need-based financial aid. Keep in mind that these calculators are generally based on figures from prior years and may be based on limited information. You should also compare the types and amounts of any loans made available to you. Consider if they are included as part of your needbased financial aid eligibility or if they will assist in covering any out-of-pocket costs. 27
How It Works: Financial Aid at USC
Covering Your Out-ofPocket Expenses Even if you receive grants, scholarships and/or loans, you should expect to pay at least a portion of your tuition and expenses. There are several ways to manage your out-of-pocket costs: • Use savings or current income to pay the USC Cashier’s Office directly. sfs.usc.edu/payment/ online • Sign up for the USC Payment Plan. This program enables students to pay for each semester’s tuition, fees, university housing and other student expenses in five monthly installments during the semester. sfs.usc.edu • Obtain loans for all or part of this amount.
Federal Direct PLUS Loans If you choose to borrow loans for all or part of the family contribution, start with the Direct Parent PLUS Loan. It offers a fixed interest rate, requires no collateral and does not impose an early repayment penalty. Parents may borrow up to $20,000 per year, per child, up to a lifetime maximum of $65,000 per child. Visit financialaid.usc.edu for more information.
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Parents can visit studentaid.gov to initiate an application and verify that they meet the credit criteria. You may borrow an additional Direct Unsubsidized Loan to cover part of the family contribution if your family’s application for a Parent PLUS Loan is denied.
Private Student Financing Prior to applying for private financing, students should exhaust all Federal Title IV assistance available. Please refer to page 17 for details. While USC does not recommend or endorse any specific lender, we offer the ELMSelect loan comparison tool on our website. You can compare loan fees, borrower benefits, and any special promotions among multiple lenders. Visit financialaid. usc.edu/loans and click on “Private Financing” for details. In most cases, students who choose to borrow a private loan will need a creditworthy co-borrower.
Online Resources Federal Student Aid Information
College Scorecard
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Comparison tool with data on college costs, graduation and student outcomes. collegescorecard.ed.gov
Federal Direct Student and Parent Loans Manage your Direct Loans or sign Master Promissory Notes online.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Financial aid offer comparison tool. consumerfinance.gov/paying-forcollege/your-financial-path-tograduation
Pell Grant Lookup Tables Check your potential eligibility for a Pell Grant. studentaid.gov
CSS Profile Application
Federal Student Aid Estimator Estimate the amounts and types of aid you may be eligible for. studentaid.gov/aid-estimator
529 Plans
cssprofile.collegeboard.org
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education. irs.gov/publications/p970
collegesavings.org (Click on “529 Basics”) savingforcollege.com
Private College 529 Plan
California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
Scholarships
dream.csac.ca.gov
appily.com, fastweb.com, finaid.org, myredkite.com, scholarships.com
College Board
State Grants
College and scholarship search bigfuture.collegeboard.org
College Navigator A free consumer information tool from the National Center for Education Statistics. nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
collegewell.com/private-college-529plan
ed.gov/grants-and-programs
USC Student Financial Services Information regarding the USC Payment Plan and USC Prepayment Plan. sfs.usc.edu
Investing in Your Future: Financial Aid and USC
Invertir en su futuro: Ayuda financiera y USC
Downloadable PDF financialaid.usc.edu/investing
Downloadable PDF financialaid.usc.edu/spanishinvesting 29
Financial Aid Office University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA 90089-0914 financialaid.usc.edu
@USCFinancialAid
@USCFinancialAidTV
@uscfinaid
@USCFinancialAid
The University of Southern California prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, employment status, income status, shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics, partnership status, medical condition (including pregnancy and related medical conditions), disability, political belief or affiliation, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities. For questions about compliance with the notice of non-discrimination, please contact the Office of Civil Rights Compliance at https://ocrc.usc.edu or email ocrc@usc.edu. For disability-related questions, the University has also designated an ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, Christine Street, Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs–Institutional Accessibility and ADA Compliance, who can be reached at streetc@usc.edu, (213) 821-4658, 3601 Trousdale Parkway, Bldg. #89, Los Angeles, California 90089.