Usc Financial Aid: International Students' Options Explored

The University of Southern California (USC) is known for its diverse student body, with citizens from more than 130 countries comprising over 26% of its students. While USC does not offer need-based financial aid to international students, it does provide other opportunities for financial assistance. International students may be eligible for merit-based scholarships, departmental awards, and on-campus employment. Additionally, USC offers a payment plan that allows students to pay for tuition, fees, housing, and other charges in monthly installments during the fall and spring semesters. To be considered for admission, international applicants must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to finance the full cost of attendance for at least the first academic year.

Merit-based scholarships

Although international students at USC are not eligible for federal or need-based financial aid, they may be awarded merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on a comprehensive, holistic review of an applicant's candidacy and are not based on financial need. Some departments disburse their scholarships directly to recipients in the form of monthly stipends.

International applicants who apply by the appropriate deadline are eligible for USC Merit Scholarships. However, it is important to note that merit scholarships for regular decision applicants are extremely competitive and difficult to obtain.

On-campus employment is available for F-1 and J-1 students, but the hourly wage may not be sufficient to cover tuition and living expenses. Students can also opt for the USC Payment Plan, which allows them to pay for tuition, fees, university housing, meal plans, and other charges in five monthly installments per semester.

All international applicants must provide financial documentation affirming their ability and intent to finance USC's full cost of attendance for at least the first academic year. This documentation must be verified by a bank and dated within the past year. Applicants relying on support from their home government or another official agency must provide appropriate financial support documents from their sponsor at the time of application.

On-campus work

F-1 and J-1 visa holders are eligible for on-campus employment at USC, but they must meet certain requirements. International students must also provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability and intention to finance their first year of study at USC. This documentation must be verified by a bank and dated within the previous year. If an international student relies on support from their home government or another official agency, they must provide a financial support document from their sponsor when applying.

While on-campus work can provide some income for international students, it is not a primary source of financial aid. International students at USC are not eligible for need-based financial aid and must rely on other sources, such as merit-based scholarships or personal funds, to finance their education. It is recommended that students do not depend solely on on-campus employment to cover their tuition and living expenses, as the income may not be sufficient.

International students at USC can explore on-campus employment opportunities within the university. These jobs can provide a source of income to help offset some of the costs associated with their studies. However, it is important to remember that on-campus jobs are typically part-time and may have limited hours, so they should not be relied upon as the sole source of financial support. International students should also be mindful of their visa requirements and ensure that their employment does not exceed the allowed number of working hours as per their visa conditions.

Overall, while on-campus work is an option for international students at USC, it should be considered as a supplementary source of income rather than a primary means of financial support. Students may need to explore multiple avenues, such as scholarships, personal savings, or other forms of assistance, to fully finance their education and living expenses. It is always advisable for international students to thoroughly research their options and plan their finances accordingly before commencing their studies at USC or any other US university.

Off-campus work

International students at USC are not eligible for work-study positions on campus, as these positions are funded only for U.S. citizens and permanent residents by the U.S. government. However, they can seek off-campus work with permission from the Office of International Services.

On-campus employment is available for F-1 and J-1 students, but students should not expect to support their tuition and living expenses through this option. During the fall and spring semesters, on-campus work for international students is limited to 20 hours a week (part-time), and 40 hours a week (full-time) during summer and university breaks.

F-1/J-1 international students can also work on-campus and participate in CPT/Pre-Completion Academic Training (AT) simultaneously. For example, students can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus and up to 20 hours per week on part-time CPT/Pre-Completion AT, as long as it does not interfere with their academic progress.

Students who wish to work off-campus must seek the appropriate work authorization. Working without proper authorization is a serious violation of F-1 and J-1 student status. The types of employment authorization that students can apply for are Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students and Academic Training (AT) for J-1 students. CPT requires enrollment in an internship course.

Students who start their own businesses are subject to U.S. tax laws and must consult a tax professional to understand their obligations.

USC Payment Plan

Although international students at USC are not eligible for federal or USC need-based financial aid, they may be awarded merit scholarships and/or departmental awards. Other sources of aid for international students include merit-based scholarships, on-campus work, and off-campus work (with permission from the Office of International Services).

The USC Payment Plan offers students and their approved guest users an option to pay for tuition, fees, university housing, meal plans, and other university charges in interest-free instalments over the course of the term. The number of payments per term depends on the student’s academic program, but most students will make a down payment and four monthly instalments per term (August-December or January-May). This plan is available only in the fall and spring semesters. Payment Plan applications must be renewed every semester, and students must be registered for classes for the upcoming term. USC reserves the right to cancel your payment plan for failure to make payment when due.

USC Financial Aid Calculators

The USC Financial Aid Calculators provide an estimate of your financial aid eligibility. The MyinTuition Quick College Cost Estimator asks just six questions about your finances to generate a quick estimate. There is also a calculator specifically for transfer students, which provides a more accurate financial aid estimate. The Financial Aid Calculators provide a more in-depth look at your potential eligibility for need-based aid, factoring in information from your most recent tax return.

The USC Net Price Calculator helps you learn the cost of going to college. It applies to full-time, first-time degree-seeking undergraduate students only. It is important to note that these calculators provide estimates only and are not a guarantee of the financial aid you may receive.

International students are not eligible to receive federal or USC need-based financial aid. However, they may be awarded merit scholarships and/or other departmental awards. Other sources of aid for international students include merit-based scholarships, on-campus work, and off-campus work with permission from the Office of International Services.

Frequently asked questions