by our College Data Analytics TeamThe total cost of attendance at University of Southern California can seem overwhelming, but remember that the majority of students receive some sort of financial assistance. This could be in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study, or loans.
Curious about the financial aid opportunities at USC and what you may be eligible for? Explore the answers here.
University of Southern California average financial aid offer for freshmen students is $37,631.00. 70% of first-year students are awarded financial aid, primarily comprising grants and scholarships.
Student loans come included in financial aid packages, however, the only true discount off of the price of college is a grant or scholarship that you do not need to pay back.
Worried about the student loans that might be part of a financing offer? View the average amount of debt per student at University of Southern California.
Financial awards given by a college or university to its students, known as institutional scholarships and grants, help to offset the cost of tuition and other education-related expenses. These awards fall into two categories: merit-based and need-based, and they do not need to be paid back. Merit-based institutional scholarships are granted to students who have shown outstanding academic accomplishments, special talents, or abilities in a particular field. Factors such as high school performance, standardized test results, or involvement in extracurricular activities often contribute to these scholarship decisions. Conversely, need-based institutional grants cater to students who demonstrate financial need. The awarded amount is typically based on the student’s family’s financial standing and is intended to cover the difference between the cost of attendance and the family’s ability to contribute. Colleges and universities might use data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other financial aid forms to determine a student’s eligibility for need-based grants. Institutional scholarships and grants are a vital source of financial support for students, as they can significantly reduce the cost of attending college and help make higher education more accessible.
The numbers below apply to scholarships and grants primarily provided by University of Southern California.
64% of first-year students (2014 total) were offered scholarships at University of Southern California, averaging $35,084.00 per person. This puts it the top 25th percentile among colleges and universities nationwide.
In addition to scholarships, 17% of freshman students (540 total) obtained federal grant aid, averaging $6,719.00 a piece.
Amount of Financial Assistance Per Income Level
| Income Level | Percent of Freshman | Average Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Income 0-30k | 8.56% | $60,075.00 |
| Income 30k-48k | 4.93% | $60,017.00 |
| Income 48k-75k | 5.46% | $54,536.00 |
| Income 75k-110k | 5.90% | $44,999.00 |
| Income 110k + | 11.11% | $24,445.00 |
The table above shows students who are receiving Title IV aid, which is federal assistance from the government in the form of grants, loans, and work-study. Learn more.
Of the 3167 undergraduate students at University of Southern California around 70% (2046 total) receive some form of grant aid. The typical amount awarded was $37,631.00.
Check out the Tuition and Fees page or the Cost Per Credit Hour page to find out more.
References
More about our data sources and methodologies.