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If you're planning on attending the University of Southern California, but aren't sure how you're going to pay for your education, don't despair—there are several funding options available to you. This guide on how to apply for financial aid at USC will provide you with an introduction to the applications you will need to complete in order to receive funding for your education.
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Introduction
- Over 60% of undergraduate students at the University of Southern California (USC) require and receive financial aid. Depending on your need, scholastic history and what you apply for, financial aid for students may come in the form of government-funded or private loans, grants and/or scholarships.
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Although it is presented by the financial aid officer at Argosy University, the information in this video is relevant for any prospective college/university student. In this video, Brooke Kramer instructs viewers how to find and use a financial aid calculator, which will help you determine how much financial aid you are likely to receive for college.
Step 2: Complete Your CSS Profile
- The information you provide on your College Scholarship Service (CSS) Financial Aid Profile is used to determine whether you are eligible to receive financial aid through USC. You can apply directly online at CollegeBoard.com and should do so as soon as you know you will be applying for financial aid at USC.
Step 3: Complete the FAFSA Application
- Filling out the the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will qualify you to receive low-interest Stafford Loans through USC. Submitting your FAFSA will also ensure that you are eligible for and will be considered to receive some of the grants available to USC students.
Step 4: Apply for a Cal Grant
- If you live in California, you are required to apply for a Cal Grant. If you are eligible to receive a Cal Grant, the amount you have to borrow in the form of loans may be reduced. To apply, you will need to have an authorized representative from your current school verify your GPA. However, some schools automatically submit Cal Grant applications on behalf of their students, so check whether this has been done before you submit your application.
Step 5: Fax Your Tax Returns to USC
- Although you were asked for an estimate of yours and your parents' yearly income on the CSS and FAFSA applications, you must provide USC with copies of the previous year's federal tax returns to complete the application processes. The deadline to submit your tax information is usually in early March, so file your taxes early.
Step 6: Apply for Grants and Scholarships
- There are several need- and merit-based scholarships and grants awarded annually to USC students. Grants and scholarships are particularly coveted because, unlike loans, they do not have to be repaid. For more information on the scholarships and grants you may be eligible for and the corresponding application processes, visit the USC website or use the Scholarship Search at the College Board website.
Step 7: Look Into Other Options
- If you are determined ineligible to receive Stafford Loans and/or Cal Grants, but still need financial aid, there are several other financing options available. If you are a federally dependent undergraduate student, your parents can apply for a low-interest Federal Parent PLUS Loan. You can also apply for a private loan or line of credit from several financial institutions. For more information on private financing, contact your financial adviser.
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