SCampus Student Guidebook

2008-09 SCampus (PDFs)

Comments (0)

What do you think? Add a comment about 'Financial Aid'

Question: Where can I go to buy supplies for my dorm room or apartment?

Answer: The Exploring Los Angeles – Shopping section contains information about the nearest shopping locations.

“Using the library is one of the additional ways in which you can enhance your educational experience. Don’t knock it till you try it! It is best to learn how to use it well. remember, a university library is quite different from a high school library. Very often, professors will place books in the library to be used by the students in the class. Use it…. if you have never gone to the library or learned how to use it, you might be in big trouble.”– SCampus 1973-74

Getting Started

Financial Aid

Section PDF

John R. Hubbard (JHH) Lobby
(213) 740-1111 (telephone counseling)
www.usc.edu/financialaid

Attending a private university can be a major investment. At USC, nearly 60 percent of students receive some type of financial assistance. USC administers a robust financial aid program. Undergraduate financial aid includes need-based grants, merit scholarships, low-interest loans and work-study. The university has a long tradition of meeting 100 percent of the USC-determined financial need for those undergraduate students who satisfy all eligibility requirements and deadlines. Additionally, the university offers a 10-installment payment plan, and long-term financing programs are available to assist families in financing their share. Graduate students may be eligible for low-interest federal loans, work-study and private financing options.

Merit-Based Programs

Scholarships awarded on the basis of academic achievement are available through the Office of Admission, most academic departments at USC, alumni groups, minority support organizations, outside agencies and foundations. Fellowships are offered through USC graduate and professional schools. ROTC scholarships are available through the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. You may obtain further information from the appropriate school, department or awarding agency or online at www.usc.edu/financialaid.

Need-Based Programs

The university participates in a variety of federal, state and university need-based financial aid programs designed to supplement a family’s expected contribution. You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen to be eligible. You must also meet all other eligibility criteria. If you receive financial aid, the combination of any merit-based award and all financial aid may not exceed your USC-determined need. The total amount of financial aid you receive, both need-based and merit-based, cannot exceed your total cost of attendance.

Each January you must reapply for financial aid for the next academic year adhering to published deadlines and procedures. Application information is available online in early December at www.usc.edu/financialaid. It is your responsibility to contact the Financial Aid Office to obtain application forms. If you apply after the published deadlines, you may not be considered for university or federal campus-based financial aid funds, but you can be considered for other federal programs.

You must also meet the standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to continue receiving financial aid. SAP standards are published in the USC Catalogue (www.usc.edu/catalogue).

The various financial aid programs, summer financial aid and other important topics are explained online and in the Financial Aid Guide mailed to you with your first financial aid eligibility notification.

Financial Aid Services

The financial aid window, located in the lobby of Hubbard Hall, is open each weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff members are also available by telephone at (213) 740-1111 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide in-depth information, problem resolution and counseling. In addition, students may contact financial aid counselors online. You may obtain your most current billing balance, financial aid document status and financial aid summary online at www.usc.edu/financialaid.