Douglas Olsen
The University of Southern California (USC) is a sought-after school with a world-class education. However, it is also very expensive, with an estimated cost of attendance of $81,659 per year. This is much higher than the national average for private universities. While USC is need-blind in its admissions, meaning a student's financial situation does not impact their acceptance, the high cost of tuition means that many students require financial aid. This can come in the form of scholarships, grants, or student loans. Some students also work full-time or take on part-time jobs to fund their studies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of attendance | $81,659 per year |
| Tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other expenses for four years | $361,812 |
| Students taking out federal loans | 25% |
| Students taking out private loans | 3% |
| Average amount of private loans | $38,338 |
| Students using financial aid | 70% |
| Students receiving financial aid | More than two-thirds |
Explore related products
$14.89 $18.99
$8.79 $15.99
What You'll Learn
Scholarships and grants
The University of Southern California (USC) offers a variety of scholarships and grants to help students with their financial needs.
Scholarships
USC administers over a dozen prestigious scholarship programs, ranging in value from a few thousand dollars to full tuition. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, service, and talent. Some scholarships are also based on athletic achievement, with the University offering scholarships in 21 sports. The duration of athletic scholarships can vary from one to five years.
USC Merit Scholarships are awarded by the Office of Admission and require students to apply for admission to the university by November 1 or December 1, depending on their intended major. Most majors require an Early Action application by November 1, while students applying to the Marshall School of Business should apply by November 1 for Early Decision. Certain majors, including Architecture, Art and Design, Cinematic Arts, and Music, do not offer Early Action and have a December 1 application deadline for both admission and scholarships.
Some USC scholarships are administered by organizations outside the Office of Admission, such as on-campus offices and alumni groups. These scholarships generally require separate applications and may have varying deadlines, eligibility requirements, and interview processes.
Grants
Grants are another form of financial aid offered by USC. These can come from federal and state governments, the university itself, academic departments, or private sources. Federal grants, such as the Pell Grant and Cal Grant, can replace University Grants dollar for dollar. Additionally, limited funding may be available to students enrolled less than full-time who meet eligibility requirements and demonstrate financial need.
Away Rotations: Should Students Pay to Learn?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Student loans
The University of Southern California (USC) is a sought-after school that offers a world-class education. However, it comes at a high cost, with tuition fees and living expenses amounting to $81,659 per year as of 2021. This is significantly higher than the national average for private universities, which is $241,680 for four years.
Given the high cost of attendance, it is not surprising that many USC students rely on financial aid to fund their studies. In fact, around 70% of USC students receive financial aid, which can include student loans, scholarships, grants, or a combination of these.
For those considering taking out student loans to attend USC, it is important to carefully consider the financial commitment and explore all available options. Scholarships and grants are also available and can provide valuable financial assistance without the burden of repayment. Additionally, some students may choose to work part-time or take on other sources of income to help fund their education. Ultimately, the decision to take out student loans should be made after thorough research and consideration of one's financial situation and goals.
International Students and Medicare Tax: Who Pays?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Part-time work
The University of Southern California (USC) offers part-time work opportunities for its students, allowing them to earn money while building their skill sets and resumes. USC student workers are generally limited to no more than 20 hours per week during the fall or spring semesters or summer sessions. However, they may be able to work more hours during the summer.
International students with F-1/J-1 visas can begin on-campus employment at the start of their first semester. These students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus and an additional 20 hours per week on part-time CPT/Pre-Completion Academic Training (AT) or over 21 hours per week on full-time CPT/AT, provided it does not interfere with their academic progress. Many international students find employment in various campus locations such as the bookstore, Department of Public Safety, libraries, hospitality services, or transportation services. They can also be employed through scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships in their academic departments.
Students enrolled in the Part-Time Master of Social Work (MSW) program must complete a minimum of 1,200 hours of hands-on training through four semesters of practicum placement. This includes field placement hours in a community-based agency, typically ranging from 16 to 24 hours per week during normal weekday business hours. USC matches students with agencies based on their geographic location, previous work and volunteer experience, and future goals.
Regarding compensation, USC abides by all applicable federal, state, and local laws concerning employee compensation, including minimum wage requirements and pay regulations. The university also adheres to federal and state requirements for timekeeping of hours worked. Students can expect to be paid at least the minimum wage for their work and can refer to USC's Wage and Hour policies for more information.
In terms of cost, part-time students at USC will be charged on a per-unit basis for their courses. They may also need to pay additional student fees. The cost of attendance includes tuition, mandatory fees, and, in some cases, allowances for living expenses. Students can apply for financial aid, loans, and work-study through the USC Financial Aid Office. Additionally, scholarships and stipends specific to certain schools within USC, such as the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, are available.
Students and Social Security: Who Pays and Who Benefits?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Teaching assistant jobs
The University of Southern California (USC) is a sought-after school that offers a world-class education. However, tuition can be expensive, with the total cost of attendance for four years estimated at $361,812 as of 2023-2024. To cover these costs, around 70% of USC students rely on some form of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and federal or private student loans.
For those seeking teaching assistant (TA) jobs at USC, there are several options available, particularly within the USC Thornton School of Music. The school offers graduate assistantships in various specializations, such as Jazz Studies, Vocal Arts, Choral and Sacred Music, and Classical Guitar. These positions often involve teaching classes, assisting faculty, and managing ensembles. Applicants for these roles typically need to demonstrate teaching experience or potential, and some positions require specific musical skills and technology expertise.
In addition to music-related TA positions, USC offers other teaching and faculty roles across different departments. These positions can be found through the USC careers webpage, which allows users to search for available job openings. Connecting your LinkedIn account can help match your work experience to relevant job postings.
While TA positions can provide valuable financial support, it is worth noting that some USC departments, such as Keck, do not offer tuition remission for TAs or RAs. As a result, students may need to explore other options, such as scholarships, grants, or taking out loans, to finance their education. Balancing work and studies, as some graduate students do, is another approach to managing the cost of attendance.
Affording Tuition: Low-Income Students and Tuition Fees
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$12.1 $15.99
Private loans
The University of Southern California (USC) is a sought-after school with a high-end tuition fee. While more than two-thirds of USC undergraduates receive some sort of financial aid, many students and their families still need to borrow from federal and private loan programs to finance their education.
Private student loans are funded by private organisations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organisations. They have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, and they may require you to make payments while you're still in school. Private loans don't have a specific application window and can be applied for as needed, but it's recommended to submit a FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for.
NYU Textbooks: Are They Free or Fee-Based?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The cost of attendance at USC is $81,659 per year. This is much higher than the national average of $241,680 for four years at a private university.
Around 70% of USC students use financial aid to help cover the costs of their education. This may include student loans, scholarships, or grants. Some students also take up jobs to be able to afford their education.
USC offers a variety of ways to pay your bill, including online, wire transfer, payment plans, sponsoring agencies, prepayments, and in person.
