PDF version of this chapterFinancial Aid
Undergraduate Students
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.2004-2005 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 PROFILE Application to the College Scholarship Service. Students must also submit to the USC Financial Aid Office copies of their and their parents' signed 2003 federal income tax returns including all schedules and W-2 forms or a 2004-2005 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, 2004 and tax returns or Non-Filing Statement forms should be submitted by March 2, 2004 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, 2004.Continuing Undergraduates
To be considered for university and federal campus-based funds for the 2004-2005 academic year, the College Scholarship Service (CSS) must receive the student's CSS PROFILE Application by February 27, 2004. In addition, the federal processor must receive the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA by February 27, 2004. The Financial Aid Office must receive copies of student's and parent's signed 2003 federal income tax returns including all schedules and W-2 forms or 2004-2005 Non-Filing Statement forms no later than May 6, 2004. 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, 2004.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.