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. At USC we work with families to meet a student’s full USC-determined financial need, subject to a review of the student’s financial aid application and the family’s finances, as well as to available funds from federal, state and university sources.
USC enrolls more than 4,300 low-income undergraduate students (as defined by Pell Grant eligibility) more than most private research universities. In fall 2018, 21 percent of enrolled undergraduates received Pell Grants. Most importantly, low-income and under-represented minority students at USC graduate at rates comparable to the overall undergraduate population.
Basic Requirements for Need-Based Financial Aid
All applicants to USC can apply for financial aid if they:
- Are a U.S. citizen, eligible non-citizen (such as permanent resident, refugee or asylee), or undocumented and meet certain criteria;
- Possess a valid Social Security number (if required); and
- Meet all published deadlines and submit any additional requested information in a timely manner. Applicants who miss published deadlines may be considered for reduced funds.
International Students
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 with a qualified co-signer who is a U.S. citizen.
Visit the Eligibility Requirements section on financialaid.usc.edu for more information about the requirements.