financial aid
When you visit the USC Financial Aid website, you will find answers to all of your questions about how to pay for school. Here are some common questions:
What is the Cost of Attendance?
The Cost of Attendance, or COA, estimates all the money you must pay to attend USC. The COA includes tuition and fees (including campus health insurance), room and board (housing and food), books, supplies and personal expenses.
The COA is based on each student’s circumstances, such as living arrangements, course load and other factors that affect the cost of attendance. It can vary from student to student based on these factors. For example, if you live off-campus instead of in university housing, take classes during summer sessions, or have dependents who are attending with you (such as children).
How Much Will I Need to Pay?
When you’re getting ready to apply for financial aid, it’s essential to know that the amount of money you’ll need depends on several factors. First, there’s tuition and fees–that’s what USC charges each year for your classes and any other expenses related directly to your education at the university. Then there are living expenses–the cost of rent or mortgage payments, food, transportation and other necessities like utilities and medical care. Finally, there are books and supplies (including textbooks), personal expenses (like clothing) and travel costs (if applicable). All these things can add up quickly!
How Do I Apply for Financial Aid?
Financial aid is available to students who qualify for it. The first step in applying for financial aid is to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can do this when you apply for admission to USC or any time during your academic career at USC.
Where Do My Payments Go?
The money you pay for tuition, fees, housing and meal plans goes to the university. The money you receive from federal and state grants also goes toward these expenses. The remaining amount is either paid by your parents or saved in case of emergencies.
The next step is to determine your personal expenses during the year, such as transportation costs or clothing purchases. These items are not covered by financial aid but can be paid with money from other sources, such as loans or scholarships awarded by USC (or another school).
How Does Financial Aid Work for International Students?
While it may seem like you’re missing out on some of the best parts of college in America, there are still plenty of ways for international students to get financial help.
There are two types of federal financial aid: loans and grants (scholarships). Loans must be paid back with interest, while grants do not need repaid. You can apply for both types of aid at your university’s financial aid office or through FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid). However, international students are only eligible for loans–not grants–and those who accept them will likely have their visa status revoked by U.S. Immigration Services because they’re considered “in-country” students rather than “out-of-country” students who are exempt from paying taxes on their scholarships or other forms of income earned outside the U.S., even though their home country doesn’t tax such earnings either!
For more information about federal student loans, visit our article: How Do I Apply For Federal Student Loans?
What Else Should I Know About Paying for College at USC?
Your financial aid award is based on your need and what you can afford to pay. Here are the other ways to pay for college at USC:
- Student Loans: If you need additional funds, we encourage students who qualify to take a federal student loan. These loans are awarded based on creditworthiness and can be used for any purpose, including room and board, books and supplies, transportation costs (including parking), or any other allowable expense associated with attending school.
- Work-Study Program: Students who qualify may be eligible for part-time jobs on campus through this program, allowing them to earn money while still attending classes full-time. Students work in departments such as dining services or facilities management; their earnings go directly toward paying off their tuition each semester!
- Scholarships & Grants: We have many scholarship opportunities available year-round through our Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships; keep an eye out for deadlines when filling out applications!
You can get more information about how to pay for your education here. Some of the data is specific to USC, but you can learn more about financial aid here. You can also find out more about financial assistance here.