Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fees (Estimated), Fall 2014

Tuition is payable in advance unless special arrangements are made for deferred payments as described below. Tuition is the same for resident and nonresident students. Registration is completed when the bill has been settled.

Auditors pay the regular tuition rate. Auditors are not required to participate in class exercises (discussions and examinations); they receive no grades or credit and there is no transcript notation of courses taken for audit. An instructor, dean or university officer may give permission to an individual to attend a class as a guest. Otherwise, attendance in class is limited to enrolled students.

These fees are based upon current information available at the time of publication and are subject to possible later change. The university reserves the right to change without notice any of the terms stated herein.

The number of units for which tuition is charged is indicated by the number in parentheses after the title of each course listed under Courses of Instruction.

Tuition (semester), (Estimated)

Mandatory Fees (Estimated)

Student Health Insurance

Special Fees (Estimated)

Late Registration and Late Settlement Fees

Registration is not permitted after the third week of classes.

The university currently assesses a monthly finance charge on all past due balances. The current annual rate is 12 percent, subject to change.

A “returned check charge” of $25 is assessed for a check or e-check returned by the bank for any reason. Under California Civil Code #1719, a returned check may create liability for treble (three times) the amount owed, but not less than $100.

Obligation for Payment

Request for registration constitutes a legal financial obligation to which students will be held liable if they do not follow the proper procedure to change or cancel their registration through the Office of Academic Records and Registrar. They must receive written confirmation (the Registration Confirmation form) to verify that their requested change has been made.

By registering, students agree to be held responsible for all tuition and fees, including, but not limited to, payments denied by student loan lenders, agencies of the United States government, and agencies of foreign governments.

Tuition and fees for all students, including those whose tuition has been deferred, become an obligation in accordance with the provisions of the Withdrawal Refund Policy as follows: Tuition and fees are due, in full, by the settlement deadline. Failure to make payments of any indebtedness to the university when due, including but not limited to tuition, deferred tuition, housing, student loans, lab fees and USCard, is considered sufficient cause, until the debt is settled with the university to (1) bar the student from classes and examinations; (2) withhold diploma, scholastic certificate or transcripts; (3) bar the student from university housing; (4) suspend all university services and privileges; (5) suspend the student; (6) assign the student to a collection agency (students who have been assigned to an outside collection agency may be required to pay in advance for all future registrations and services); and (7) report the student to a credit bureau. This policy will be equally enforced against debts discharged through bankruptcy.

Permission to cancel enrollment does not constitute, nor shall it be construed as, a waiver by the university of a student’s financial obligation. Students are still responsible for all outstanding debts and contracts with the university. Furthermore, a student must not have any delinquent financial obligations to USC at the time classes begin or his or her registration may be revoked.

For additional information please contact the Cashier’s Office, Student Union 106 (STU 106), (213) 740‑7471.

Methods of Payment

You may pay your bill via the Internet (USCe.pay), by mail or in person. If you are paying by mail, please follow the instructions on your monthly billing statement. Be sure to mail your payment early enough for the university to receive it by the settlement deadline.

USCe.pay allows you to manage your student account online. You can pay your tuition and fees by transferring funds from your savings or checking account, or by charging to your VISA, MasterCard or Discover card. You can also print e-receipts and view your billing statements or current account information. In addition, you can set up individual guest user access for parents or anyone else you choose so they can make payments on your account. For more information or to login to your account, view usc.‌edu/epay.

In fall and spring semesters, USC offers a monthly payment plan. An application must be made each term after the student has registered for classes but before the settlement deadline.

More detailed information about student accounts, settlement options and procedures is available at usc.edu/sfs.

VISA/MasterCard and Discover Card

You should present the credit card (and parent’s written authorization if the card is not in your name) as well as a valid driver’s license. Presentation of any credit card does not constitute payment of tuition and fees. Authorization must be obtained from the credit card institution in order to be posted to the student account. Declined authorizations are your responsibility. If a bank card transaction is later disallowed by the bank for any reason, the student account will be subject to the “Returned Item” penalties in accordance with the returned item policy.

Cashier’s Short Term Deferment

Thirty day deferments are granted for up to $2,000 of the tuition balance. You must take three or more units (or the equivalent) to receive any type of deferment. There is a non-refundable service charge of five percent of the deferred amount, due at the time the deferment is granted, in addition to the remaining billing balance.

The number of units for which tuition is charged is generally the same as the number of academic units indicated after each course in the Schedule of Classes.

However, some courses with no academic credit require payment of tuition. Most classes with course numbers ending in z (e.g., 594z and 794z) require 2 units of tuition. GRSC 800 and GRSC 810 each require 1 unit of tuition.

In sessions offering different tuition rates or mandatory fees for undergraduate and graduate students, the student’s Program of Study (POST) will determine the tuition rate and fees to be charged. Students with more than one active post will be charged as undergraduate students if at least one POST is designated as undergraduate.

Financial Aid

Financial aid recipients will have most of their available financial aid (such as scholarships, grants, loans, and graduate assistantship tuition awards) applied to their university account each semester as direct credits against their total charges. Federal and state funds, such as the Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Cal Grants, Direct Stafford Loans, Direct PLUS Loans and Perkins Loans, are applied to student accounts no sooner than 10 days before the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. During the summer, federal aid is applied to student accounts no sooner than the first day of the earliest session of enrollment. Students must complete all application steps and meet all disbursement requirements before funds will be applied to their accounts. For details, visit usc.edu/financialaid.

Federal Work-Study awards are not reflected as credits on a student’s account. Federal Work-Study awards are earned through employment, either on-campus or with an approved off-campus employer. The student is paid by check or direct deposit bi-weekly for hours worked and may earn up to the amount of the Federal Work-Study award.

Billing Information

Monthly billing notifications on all active student accounts are emailed to the student’s official USC email address (ends in @usc.edu) and to their designated guest users. USC does not mail printed statements to currently enrolled students.

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, university representatives will not disclose any specific information about a student’s account to any third party (including family members) without the student’s permission. Information about granting permission is available on the Student Financial Services Website’s FAQs for parents and sponsors (usc.edu/sfs).

Although the university will accept payments from a third party, the student is responsible for settling all debts to the university by the appropriate deadlines.

Refund of Tuition

Tuition is refundable entirely at the discretion of the university. Refunds will be computed as of the date on which a student cancels or drops a course through the Registration Department. Request for a refund must be made to the Cashier’s Office.

Full (100 percent) refunds for the regular/general 12- to 15-week fall or spring session are made through the end of the third week of classes (the refund deadline). No refunds are issued for classes canceled after the deadline.

If you are enrolled in any other fall or spring session, or if you are enrolled in the summer, a different refund deadline may apply. See the academic department for specific information.

Students who are recipients of Title IV federal financial aid funds (Federal ACG Grant, Pell Grant, SMART Grant, SEOG, Direct Stafford Loan, Direct PLUS Loan, Perkins Loan) and who withdraw from all classes after the refund deadline, may be required to return any “unearned” Title IV federal financial aid, even if they are not entitled to a refund of tuition. Refer to Withdrawal Implications for Recipients of Financial Aid for more information.

Tuition Refund Insurance

Elective insurance is available that provides full coverage for tuition and mandatory fees if students suffer serious illnesses or accidents that necessitate leaving the university before the semester is completed. The Tuition Refund Plan is offered through a private insurance carrier, Dewars, Inc. You must choose to accept or opt out of this plan the first time you register for each term. If you accept the plan, the charge is added to your student account. Further information is available from the Cashier’s Office, the Registration Department and at usc.edu/dept/ARR/tuitionrefund/index.html. See here for additional information.

Exit Loan Counseling

All students who borrowed a Federal Direct Stafford Loan or Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan must complete exit loan counseling when they cease to be enrolled at least half time. Exit loan counseling is a two-part requirement for borrowers of Federal Direct Stafford and/or Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loans. First, a borrower must complete online exit loan counseling at nslds.ed.gov. The process takes about 20 minutes and requires students to update their contact information with the U.S. Department of Education. Second, a borrower must also participate in an in-person exit loan counseling information session or an exit loan counseling webinar. Information about the webinar and the schedule for in-person exit loan counseling are available online at usc.‌edu/‌financialaid at the end of each semester.

Students who have borrowed a Federal Perkins Loan, Health Professions Student Loan, Loan for Disadvantaged Students, Primary Care Loan or any institutional loan, must complete an online session at usc.edu/sfs. Diplomas and transcripts will not be released if the student does not complete this step.

Exit Counseling for TEACH Grant Recipients

Students who received a TEACH grant must also complete exit counseling when they withdraw from the university or graduate. The TEACH grant exit counseling session can be completed online at nslds.ed.gov.

Tuition Assistance Benefits

The Tuition Assistance Benefits program provides USC tuition payments for eligible faculty and staff and their spouses or registered domestic partners and children. The amount of tuition payment varies based on who is taking the class, the type of class and the maximum number of units eligible for assistance. Tuition assistance is limited to tuition, and does not apply to any fees or books.

Tuition assistance eligibility does not guarantee the student admission to the university. The prospective student must apply for university admission through the USC Admission Office.

Only those USC classes for which a student may register and receive a registration confirmation are eligible for Tuition Assistance Benefits. Special education programs, seminars and other classes not listed in the USC Catalogue are not eligible for tuition remission.

An employee must be employed by the university in a tuition-benefits-eligible position on or before the first day of classes in the semester for which application is made. Please note that the “first day of classes” refers to the first day classes are in session for the semester, not the first day the specific class in which the student is enrolled meets. Conversely, the “end of the semester,” refers to the last day classes are in session for the semester, not the last day the specific class in which the student is enrolled meets. This includes the summer semester, which has different “sessions” but still has very specific semester start and end dates (see Academic Calendar). A student who receives tuition assistance is responsible for payment of a prorated amount of tuition assistance if certain changes in employment status of the employee or sponsoring employee occur during the semester. See the Tuition Assistance Benefits Policy available online at usc.edu/benefits for complete information about eligibility and requirements. General information about the tax liability for certain types of tuition assistance is included in the policy. For additional information, contact the Benefits Office on the University Park Campus. Application forms for tuition assistance may be found on the Benefits Website at usc.edu/benefits by clicking the icon “Forms” and then “Tuition Assistance Application Forms.”

Cancellations

Defined as complete withdrawal from the semester or session, cancellation refunds are computed based on the date the application to cancel enrollment is presented to the Registration Department.

Drops

Drops are defined as withdrawal from one class or part of registration. The refund schedule applies as of the date the drop is processed by the Registration Department.

This policy is enforced equally for settled and unsettled registrations.

Financing Alternatives

Tuition Prepayment Program (TPP)

This option offers individuals the opportunity to stabilize tuition costs by avoiding future tuition increases. Under this plan, the university will accept the prepayment of the student’s total USC tuition plus mandatory fees at the current tuition rate for up to the next four or five years. The student must be admitted to the university before establishing a tuition prepayment account. For further information, contact Student Financial Services, (213) 740-4077.

USC Payment Plan

The USC Payment Plan, administered by Student Financial Services, enables students and parents to pay tuition, fees and university housing and meal plan charges in monthly installments rather than in a single payment at the beginning of each semester. Payments are made over a five-month period for each semester, beginning August 1 for the fall semester and January 1 for the spring semester, and may be made only by electronic transfer. There is a small application fee each semester. The student must be in good financial standing at the university. For further information, contact Student Financial Services, (213) 740‑4077. You may also access the Website at usc.edu/sfs/payplan.

Private and Federal Financing

USC participates in a number of long-term financing options that are available to all families regardless of eligibility for scholarships or financial aid. These programs can relieve students’ and families’ cash-flow restrictions and enable them to meet their expected contributions for the cost of college education. Information about loan programs is available online at usc.edu/finaid or at the USC Financial Aid Office.

Student Health Insurance

USC student health insurance plan coverage periods:

Premiums for the 2014–15 academic year are: Fall 2014: $610 and Spring/Summer 2015: $1,102.

The university requires that all students have supplemental health insurance to help cover the cost of health care that cannot be obtained at the health center, especially in emergency situations where hospitalization may be required.

All domestic students carrying 6 units or more will be automatically enrolled in the USC student health insurance plan. Some class registration codes, for example Special Tuition programs, do not generate this automatic charge. All students are required to review their fee bill after registering for classes and if the automatic insurance charge does not appear, must contact the insurance office by the drop/add date to enroll in this plan if they wish to continue coverage for the semester. Domestic students carrying less than 6 units or who drop classes before the drop/add date resulting in enrollment in less than 6 units, must enroll themselves in the plan by the drop/add date if they wish to continue coverage for the semester. All international and/or health sciences students are automatically enrolled in the USC student health insurance plan regardless of the number of units in which they are enrolled. Distance Education students studying remotely must contact the USC Student Health Insurance Office for current eligibility information no later than the drop/add date at the beginning of each semester.

The USC student health insurance plan works in conjunction with the university’s student health centers. All students enrolled in the USC student health insurance plan are assessed the student health center fee and are required to access their primary care at the student health center on their campus. Referrals are required in order to see providers outside the student health centers for non-emergency situations.

Waiver Requirements

Enrollment in the USC student health plan will only be waived and the premium charge removed from the fee bill if documented proof of health coverage from another plan is presented using the online waiver application by the deadline date of September 12, 2014. In order to receive a waiver of the USC student health insurance, the insurance presented must meet all the following requirements:

Criteria:

• Provide continuous coverage for the entire academic year (Fall 2014: August 18, 2014 through January 11, 2015; and Spring/Summer 2015: January 12, 2015 through August 16, 2015).
• Provide at least $500,000 lifetime aggregate coverage (no per incident maximums).
• Cover preventive care services at 100%.
• No major exclusions, must include pharmacy coverage; mental health coverage including in/out patient substance abuse treatment, behavioral health and behavioral disorders; and reproductive health.
• Have an annual combined deductible and out-of-pocket expense of $10,000 or less.
• Provide a minimum of 70% coverage paid by the insurance plan to providers in the Los Angeles area. Emergency/urgent care only is not accepted for waiver.

Upon request, you must be able to provide a copy of:

• Verifiable proof of coverage with student’s name (ID card, insurance policy or letter from insurance carrier).
• Plan document(s) in English, with currency amounts converted to U.S. dollars, and an insurance company contact phone number in the United States is mandatory.

The waiver must be submitted using the online waiver request program by September 12, 2014. Login is through OASIS.

For more information, email the Student Health Insurance Office at b.well@usc.edu or call (213) 740-0551.

Graduate Assistants

Graduate assistants with a .25 award or higher and Ph.D. students may be eligible to have USC pay for the USC student health plan and the USC Student Health Center fee. Their assistantship award must show in the student financial detail system. More information is available in the student’s award packet through his or her academic department.

Student Health Insurance for Students Studying Overseas

Students enrolled in overseas study programs are required to have USC health insurance coverage. These students are automatically enrolled in the USC overseas studies health insurance plan unless they are enrolled in the USC health plan. For more information, please email the Student Insurance Office at b.well@usc.edu or call (213) 740-0551.

Student Dental Plan (Optional)

Dental coverage for students is available for purchase and billed to the student’s account. Dental coverage is not automatic. The coverage period is August 18, 2014 – August 16, 2015. Coverage is for the entire year and must be purchased by the deadline of September 12, 2014. Spring enrollment will only be allowed for new incoming students in the spring semester. Plan details are available at usc.edu/engemann.

Veterans’ Benefits

Veterans must register with the Veterans Certification Office each semester in order to receive benefits. Students may expect an educational allowance based only on courses that are a legitimate part of the degree program approved for veterans. The student must notify the Veterans Certification Office immediately upon any change in unit load or change of major. The office is located in the Tutor Campus Center, Room 330. Students may contact the office at vets@usc.edu, (213) 740-4619, (213) 821-3760 FAX. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday.

For more information, visit our Website at usc.edu/va.

Students may visit gibill.va.gov for more information regarding GI Bill Educational Assistance.

Naval ROTC (NROTC)

The Department of Naval Science offers courses for all undergraduate students, although the courses are structured primarily for those who are participating in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). This program eventually leads to a commission as an officer in the United States Navy or the United States Marine Corps. Most NROTC midshipmen at USC are the recipients of four-year scholarships earned through national competition while seniors in high school. These grants pay full tuition, fees, a book stipend and a $250 to $400 monthly subsistence stipend to help defray living expenses. The university also provides an additional automatic scholarship of $4,000 per year for each NROTC scholarship recipient to help pay for living expenses. Navy/Marine Corps scholarships are also available on a competition basis to students who enroll directly in the NROTC college program at the university. College program students receive no NROTC financial aid until they are selected for a scholarship. College program students who are not selected for a scholarship may apply for advanced standing status during their sophomore year, which enables them to continue in the program and makes them eligible to receive a subsistence stipend beginning in their junior year. Upon completion of the bachelor’s degree and NROTC requirements, students are commissioned as active duty Ensigns in the U.S. Navy or as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Marine Corps, and proceed to advanced training in the Navy Officer communities of aviation, submarines, surface ships, special warfare, special operations and medical/dental or Marine Corps Military Occupational specialties such as aviation, infantry, intelligence, artillery, etc. For specific information, contact the Department of Naval Science at (213) 740-2663 or visit usc.edu/dept/nrotc.

Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC)

AFROTC offers a variety of scholarships, many of which pay the full cost of tuition, books and fees. Successful completion of AFROTC academic classes and leadership laboratories leads to a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. The program is open to most students pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Classes consist of one hour of academics and two hours of laboratory for freshmen and sophomores; three hours of academics and two hours of laboratory for juniors and seniors. AFROTC cadets on scholarship and all juniors and seniors receive a monthly tax-free stipend and a textbook allowance. USC also offers a $4,000 scholarship per year for all AFROTC scholarship recipients and cadets who have successfully completed summer field training. For more information, contact the Department of Aerospace Studies (AFROTC) at (213) 740-2670 or visit the Physical Education Building, Room 112, or usc.edu/dept/afrotc.

Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AROTC)

Army ROTC is one of the most demanding and successful leadership programs in the country. The training a student receives in Army ROTC teaches leadership development, military skills and career training. Courses take place both in the classroom and in the field, and are mixed with normal academic studies. Students may also attend additional summer programs, such as Airborne School. Upon completion, an Army ROTC graduate earns a commission as an officer starting out as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. The USC Army ROTC program has a limited number of full-tuition scholarships for full-time undergraduate and graduate students. Scholarships are offered on a competitive basis to all qualified applicants and are not based on financial need. Students (cadets) may compete for active duty, U.S. Army Reserve or National Guard duty. All cadets receive a monthly stipend based on his or her academic year and a book stipend per semester. All enrolled cadets receive uniforms, military science textbooks and any other required items from the department. Students may select any major offered by the university. Prior to the completion of their degree and commissioning, students will choose from the 17 different career fields (branches) the U.S. Army has to offer. Veterans, Reservists and National Guard members and AROTC graduates qualify for advanced placement. For further information, visit the Army ROTC office located in the Physical Education Building, Room 110, call (213) 740-1850 or visit the Website at uscarmyrotc.org.

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