Financial Aid
Financial Aid at USC
USC administers one of the largest financial aid programs in the country. Although families are expected to play a leading role in financing a college education, USC has a long tradition of bridging the gap between the cost of attendance and what families can afford to pay out of pocket.
USC Financial Aid coordinates school, state and federal funds to fully meet the USC-determined need for undergraduates who satisfy all eligibility requirements and meet all deadlines.
Nearly two-thirds of USC undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, including merit scholarships, need-based grants, Federal Work-Study and loans. Incoming first-year students from U.S. families with an annual income of $80,000 or less with typical assets can attend USC tuition free.
2026-2027 Cost of Attendance
The following are the estimated two-semester costs for a full-time USC undergraduate (taking 12-18 units each semester):
| On Campus | Off Campus | With Parents or Relatives | |
| Tuition (12-18 units for two semesters) | $75,384 | $75,384 | $75,384 |
| Fees | $1,952 | $1,952 | $1,952 |
| Housing* | $13,510 | $13,140 | $8,776 |
| Food* | $8,442 | $8,442 | $3,762 |
| Books/Supplies | $670 | $670 | $670 |
| Transportation | $1,188 | $1,188 | $2,070 |
| Personal/Misc | $2,016 | $2,016 | $2,016 |
| Total** | $103,162 | $102,792 |
$94,630 |
*Includes average amount for USC housing and the standard meal plan.
**Add $450 new student fee for your first semester.
Please visit the USC Financial Aid website to learn more.
By the Numbers
$904 Million
awarded in financial aid from all sources in 2024-2025
78%
of that $904 million comprised grants and scholarships.
These are types of gift aid that do not have to be paid back.18%
of the fall 2024 first-year class received a USC Merit Scholarship.
Financing Your USC Education
This video covers scholarships, grants, on-campus employment and low-interest loans, including their eligibility requirements and application procedures.