• About the Catalogue
• A Message from the President
• Senior University Administration
• About USC
• Academic Policies
• Tuition and Fees
• Undergraduate Education
  • Admission
    • Admission for International Students
  • Resident Honors Program
  • USC Learning Communities
  • Financial Aid
    • Satisfactory Academic Progress
    • Financial Aid Policy
    • Withdrawal Implications
  • Course Work Taken Elsewhere
    • Transfer Credit
  • Requirements for Graduation
  • The USC Core
    • General Education Course List
    • Diversity Course List
  • Undergraduate Degree Programs
    • Degree Programs
    • Minors
    • Accelerated Dual Degree Programs
  • International Study Options
• Graduate and Professional Education
• The USC Graduate School
• Interdisciplinary Programs
• The Schools

Undergraduate Education

Financial Aid

Students at USC benefit from federal, state and university financial aid programs administered by the Financial Aid Office and from scholarships, which are administered by the Office of Admission and various academic departments. USC also offers an interest-free 10-monthly-payment plan and participates in long term loan programs. Students may apply for one or more kinds of aid, depending on eligibility. Students must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or other eligible non-citizens and must meet all other eligibility requirements to be eligible for federal, state and university financial aid programs. Detailed information is available online at www.usc.edu/finaid.

Although international students cannot receive financial aid, they may be eligible for scholarships offered by their schools or departments. International students should contact their departments directly for information about existing opportunities. International students may also be eligible for some private educational loans.

Scholarships

Scholarships awarded on the basis of academic achievement, leadership, service and talent are available through the Office of Admission, most academic departments at USC, alumni groups and outside agencies and foundations. Some of these awards require a separate application. In some cases, financial need is also considered. Further information may be obtained from the appropriate school, department, or awarding agency.

2005-2006 Application Procedures for Federal, State and University Financial Aid

Entering Freshmen and Transfer Students

Entering freshmen and transfer students must submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA to the federal processor and a completed CSS Financial Aid/PROFILE Application to the College Scholarship Service. Students must also submit to the USC Financial Aid Office copies of their and their parents' signed 2004 federal income tax returns including all schedules and W-2 forms or a 2005-2006 Non-Filing Statement form if the student is not legally required to file a federal tax return. Application forms should be submitted by January 20, 2005 and tax returns or Non-Filing Statement forms should be submitted by March 5, 2005 in order to receive notification of financial aid eligibility well in advance of the May 1 National Candidates Reply Date. New Cal Grant applicants must also submit a GPA Verification Form to the California Student Aid Commission by March 2, 2005.

Continuing Undergraduates

To be considered for university and federal campus-based funds for the 2005-2006 academic year, the College Board must receive the student's CSS Financial Aid/PROFILE Application by February 25, 2005. In addition, the federal processor must receive the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA by February 25, 2005. The Financial Aid Office must receive copies of student's and parent's signed 2004 federal income tax returns including all schedules and W-2 forms or 2005-2006 Non-Filing Statement forms no later than May 5, 2005. Students should submit a Non-Filing Statement form only if they are not legally required to file a federal tax return. Students should also submit a Supplemental Form for Financial Aid as early as possible. The Financial Aid Office must receive any additional documentation or information it may request no later that 30 days from the date of the first request. New Cal Grant applicants must also submit a GPA Verification Form to the California Student Aid Commission by March 2, 2005.

Grants

The Financial Aid Office will award University Grants to eligible students who meet all financial aid application deadlines.

The Federal Pell Grant program is a grant program for exceptionally needy students. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are also available for exceptionally needy students. The SEOG is awarded only to eligible students who meet all application deadlines.

Cal Grants A and B are administered by the California Student Aid Commission. All undergraduate aid applicants who are residents of California are required to apply. Cal Grant A is for partial tuition and fees. Cal Grant B recipients receive a stipend the first year and receive a stipend and tuition credit in subsequent years.

Federal Work-Study

The Federal Work-Study program enables eligible students to earn part of their financial aid award through employment either on campus or with an approved off-campus employer. Only students who meet all application deadlines are considered for this program.

Student Loans

Loans through the Federal Perkins Loan Program are awarded to eligible students who apply on time. Repayment begins nine months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half time.

Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans are also available. Repayment begins six months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half time. All loan repayment terms are subject to change.

Financing Programs

Several programs are available to help families meet the costs of education by providing long-term financing options and a short-term payment plan. Detailed information is available online at www.usc.edu/finaid.

Second Bachelor's Degree

Students who are pursuing their second bachelor's degree are eligible for a limited number of financial aid programs -- Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan and the Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan. Eligible students who meet all application deadlines are also considered for the Federal Work-Study and Federal Perkins Loan programs.

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