USC Financial Aid Packages?

Hi, I've been considering applying to the University of Southern California but I'm a little concerned about the cost. Does anyone have experience with USC's financial aid packages? Do they typically provide substantial aid?

USC is indeed known for its robust financial aid policies. The university is committed to helping students meet the costs of a premier education. As an institution, USC awards more than $300 million in institutional aid every year, and about two-thirds of USC undergraduates receive some form of financial aid.

However, the amount of aid one receives is highly dependent on individual circumstances. Language from USC specifically states that they meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need for students who meet all deadlines and eligibility requirements. To determine this need, USC, like many other colleges, takes into consideration factors such as income, assets, family size, and number of siblings in college.

One thing to remember when considering taking on a loan as part of your package is the average indebtedness for USC students at graduation is in the $20,000 - $25,000 range. This figure is lower than the national average but it's still a considerable amount of debt to manage after graduation.

Additionally, USC offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are competitive and awarded on the basis of academic excellence, leadership, service, and talent.

So in short, USC can indeed provide substantial financial aid, although the exact amount would vary depending on your circumstance. I highly recommend trying USC's Net Price Calculator (https://financialaid.usc.edu/undergraduate-financial-aid/calculate-your-costs/) to get an estimate of your potential financial aid package. It won't be an exact number but can give you a ballpark figure of what to expect. It's a confidential estimate and could be a helpful tool for you and your family in the college planning process.