Lori Meadows
The University of Southern California (USC) is known for its diverse student body, with citizens of more than 130 countries comprising over 26% of its students. While USC does not offer need-based financial aid to international students, there are other options to help fund their education. These include merit-based scholarships, on-campus work, and off-campus work with permission from the Office of International Services. Additionally, USC offers a range of undergraduate scholarships and graduate scholarships to international students. The university also provides loan options, such as Direct Student Loans and Federal Direct Parent PLUS loans, to help international students finance their education.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Federal and university policy eligibility criteria for need-based financial aid | U.S. citizens, eligible non-citizens (permanent residents, refugees, asylees), undocumented students meeting California Dream Act requirements or with DACA status |
| Other sources of aid for international students | Merit-based scholarships, departmental awards, on-campus work (excluding Federal Work-Study), off-campus work with permission |
| Merit-based scholarships | Disbursed by some departments directly to recipients in the form of monthly stipends |
| Undergraduate scholarships | Offered by the University of Southern California to international students to cover educational expenses |
| Graduate scholarships | Offered to graduate international students at the University of Southern California |
| External scholarships | Offered at the University of Southern California for international students |
| Loan options | Direct Student Loans, Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan |
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What You'll Learn
Merit-based scholarships
The University of Southern California (USC) does provide merit-based scholarships for international students. While federal and university policy limit need-based financial aid to US citizens and eligible non-citizens, USC offers merit scholarships and other departmental awards to international students. These merit-based scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate international students and can be used to pay for educational expenses.
Some departments disburse their scholarships directly to recipients in the form of monthly stipends, and payments are made according to a stipend schedule. Additionally, international students at USC can work on-campus (excluding Federal Work-Study) and off-campus with permission from the Office of International Services. However, off-campus work authorization is very limited.
The University of Southern California offers a range of scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students annually, based on eligibility criteria. Most of the funds provided by the university come from federal, state, and private sources, and, unlike loans, they do not need to be repaid.
While USC does offer merit-based scholarships to international students, it is important to note that the availability and amount of these scholarships may vary, and they may not cover the full cost of attendance. International students are encouraged to explore other funding options, such as external scholarships or loans, to ensure they can cover their educational expenses.
Overall, USC is committed to supporting international students and recognizes their valuable contributions to the university community. By offering merit-based scholarships, the university helps make its education more accessible to talented students from around the world.
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On-campus work
On-campus jobs can provide a source of income to help cover the costs of attendance, which include tuition and fees, housing, food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. International students can find on-campus employment opportunities through various departments and offices at USC. These jobs can range from working in the library or student centres to administrative roles in different departments.
It is important to note that the availability of on-campus jobs may be limited, and they may not always provide a substantial income. International students should also be mindful of the time commitment required for their studies and ensure that their work does not interfere with their academic responsibilities. Balancing work and studies is crucial for maintaining good academic standing and making the most of the USC experience.
Additionally, international students at USC should be aware of any visa-related restrictions or requirements regarding on-campus employment. Understanding and complying with the regulations surrounding their student visa status is essential to maintain their legal status in the country.
While on-campus work can provide a source of income, it may not be sufficient to cover all the expenses associated with studying at USC. International students may also need to explore other options, such as merit-based scholarships, external scholarships, or loans, to finance their education fully. A combination of on-campus work and other financial aid opportunities can help international students manage the cost of attending USC and make their educational goals more attainable.
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Off-campus work
Although international students at USC are not eligible for 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.
International students should be aware that they will not be able to cover their entire educational expenses by working while studying in the United States. U.S. government regulations place strict limits on employment authorization, and student visa holders are required to be full-time students. Job opportunities for international students are, therefore, extremely limited.
To ensure compliance with visa requirements, international students must provide proof of their ability to pay tuition and living expenses before USC can issue a formal letter of admission and the necessary visa documents. This typically includes a Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support, proof of sufficient funds, and a copy of the student's passport.
It is recommended that international students at USC explore a combination of financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships, departmental awards, and private loans, in addition to any income from off-campus employment, to meet their financial needs during their studies.
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Federal Direct Parent PLUS loans
The University of Southern California (USC) does not offer need-based financial aid to international students. However, it does offer merit-based scholarships to international students, which are distributed by some departments in the form of monthly stipends. Additionally, international students can work on-campus (excluding Federal Work-Study) or off-campus with permission from the Office of International Services.
In terms of loans, USC offers a range of loan options to undergraduate and graduate international students. One such option is the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan, which is available to parents of undergraduate students. Here is some information about this loan:
Application Process
To apply for a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan, parents must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The Federal Direct Loan Servicer will then perform a credit check, and eligible parents can apply with an endorser if necessary. After the loan is approved by the Department of Education, parents can sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN), agreeing to repay the loan.
Loan Amount
Parent PLUS Loans can cover the full cost of attendance minus other financial aid received. The money is sent directly to the school, and any leftover funds are refunded to the parent or the student with the parent's permission.
Repayment Plans
Parent PLUS Loans have higher interest rates than federal student loans, and repayment begins 60 days after the final disbursement for the academic year. There are several repayment plans available, including:
- Income-contingent repayment plan: This plan requires income verification and allows for lower monthly payments if qualified.
- 10-year extended repayment plan: This plan offers lower payments over a longer term but may result in paying more over the life of the loan.
- Parent PLUS consolidation loan: This involves consolidating all loans into a single loan, potentially qualifying for other repayment plans such as income-driven plans.
It is important to note that private student loans may offer lower interest rates than Parent PLUS Loans, especially for parents with excellent credit. Therefore, it is recommended to compare different loan options before making a decision.
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Departmental awards
While international students at USC are not eligible for federal or USC need-based financial aid, they may be eligible for merit scholarships and other departmental awards.
International students at the University of Southern California can apply for departmental awards, which are a form of financial aid that is offered directly by the university department to which the student belongs. These awards can include scholarships, grants, and fellowships, and are typically based on merit or academic achievement.
Departments at USC that offer scholarships to international students include:
- The Viterbi School of Engineering: The Viterbi School offers a number of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Dean's Scholarship and the Viterbi Scholarship. These scholarships are typically awarded to students with excellent academic records and demonstrated financial need.
- The Marshall School of Business: The Marshall School offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students each year. These scholarships are highly competitive and are typically awarded to students with exceptional academic records and leadership potential.
- The Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences: Dornsife College offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Global Scholar Award and the International Student Scholarship. These scholarships are open to students from all disciplines and are awarded based on academic merit and financial need.
- The Roski School of Art and Design: The Roski School offers a small number of scholarships to international students each year, including the Roski International Student Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded based on artistic merit and financial need.
To apply for departmental awards, international students should contact their respective departments directly to inquire about the specific application process and requirements. It is important to note that the availability and eligibility criteria for these awards may vary across departments and academic years.
In addition to departmental awards, international students at USC can also explore external scholarships and loan options to help fund their education.
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Frequently asked questions
USC does not offer need-based financial aid to international students. However, they may be awarded merit-based scholarships and/or other departmental awards.
Some departments disburse their scholarships directly to recipients in the form of monthly stipends.
The University of Southern California offers a range of loan options to undergraduate and graduate international students.
The student or their parents may visit the student aid government website to submit the Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan request.
Yes, USC has a diverse student body with citizens of more than 130 countries comprising more than 26% of the university's population.
