University of Southern California

University of Southern California Financial Aid

Students who are applying for financial aid at University of Southern California need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.

The FAFSA code for University of Southern California is 001328.

If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.

Using State Grants at USC

If you reside in California and are considering USC, be sure to investigate the Cal Grant. You can apply by submitting your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, but you must meet the program's deadline in order to qualify. If you meet financial and other requirements, you may receive over $14,000 per year towards education expenses. The amount received depends on the type of institution you attend and your financial need.

University of Southern California QuestBridge Scholarships

USC is a member of QuestBridge, which is a prestigious scholarship program that supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Students who are “matched” to University of Southern California through QuestBridge receive a four year, full ride scholarship to the school. If you are interested in learning more about QuestBridge, you can check out our QuestBridge Scholarship guide.

University of Southern California’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee

USC has committed to meeting 100% of applicants’ financial needs. They determine your financial need using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, and will ensure that your financial aid package covers any costs you cannot pay.

National Merit Scholarships

If you scored exceptionally high on the PSAT/NMSQT, you may have been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Did you know that this distinction could earn you a scholarship at University of Southern California? USC offers scholarship money to National Merit Scholarship Finalists, although terms may vary. Some schools require you to list them as your first choice in order to receive the benefit, and others may impose additional need-based or academic requirements. Be sure to check USC's website for more information!

Pell Grants at University of Southern California

23% of students at University of Southern California receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to University of Southern California.

You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.

Outside Scholarships

USC students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:

• Top scholarships for high school seniors
• Top scholarships for college students
• Scholarship database

1465 is the median SAT score and 34 is the median ACT score for admitted students at USC. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.

Coalition Colleges

USC is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to USC via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.

Does USC have a supplemental essay?

Yes, applicants to University of Southern California will have to write a supplemental essay in order to complete their application. Luckily, we have a guide to help you through that essay prompt and stand out in the application process.

Is USC test-optional?

University of Southern California is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.

What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into University of Southern California?

Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to University of Southern California receive between a 32 and a 35 on their ACT, or a 1420 and a 1545 on their SAT.

What is the application deadline at USC?

Students must apply by January 15 to enroll at USC during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.

And if you’re considering applying Early Action at USC, remember that the deadline is November 1.

Should I apply Early Action at USC?

Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.

Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.

What is the graduation rate at University of Southern California?

93% of students who start at University of Southern California end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 35% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

How much do graduates of University of Southern California go on to earn?

10 years after starting school at University of Southern California, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $92,498. This is $42,107 more than the national median.

Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.

How much do students at USC take out in loans?

Graduates of USC have to take out a median of $18,000 in federal student loans. This is $4,500 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.