The University administers one of the nation's largest financial aid programs, awarding over $160 million in aid to undergraduate students with financial need.  Undergraduate financial aid includes need-based grants, merit scholarships, low-interest loans, and work-study. USC has a long tradition of meeting 100% of the USC-determined financial need for those undergraduate students who satisfy all eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Not all students will qualify for need-based aid. USC offers a wide array of ways to pay for college, including installment plans, prepayment plans and long-term financing options.

Most graduate students who demonstrate financial need and meet all eligibility requirements and deadlines qualify for low-interest loans and work-study.

Students may apply for one or more kind of aid, depending on need and qualifications. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and must meet all other eligibility requirements to be eligible for federal, state and university financial aid programs. Although international students cannot receive university financial aid, they may be eligible for scholarships and for graduate assistantships offered by their school.