The student contribution is determined by subtracting the Cost of Attendance from the student’s USC-determined financial need. You can pay in several ways:

• From savings or current income. (Pay the USC Cashier’s Office directly.)
• With the USC Tuition Payment Plan, which enables students to establish a line of credit for tuition, fees, university housing and other student expenses. The plan is billed in 10 monthly installments per year. For more information, visit the Student Financial Services website.
• With loans for all or part of the amount. If you do apply for loans, we recommend that they cover the entire academic year.

Graduate and Professional Student Federal PLUS Loan

If you choose to take out a loan, your first source is the Graduate and Professional Student PLUS loan. It has a low, fixed interest rate (currently 8.5 percent). Repayment begins after the loan has been fully disbursed. However, you may defer payment while you are enrolled at least half-time. There is no prepayment penalty. For application information, click here.

Private Financing

Applying with a credit-worthy co-borrower may substantially reduce interest and fees on a private financing loan. For more information on private loans, see the Loans section of this website.

Appealing Your Financial Aid Award

If your family’s income and/or resources have changed since you applied for financial aid, and you would like your expected contribution to be re-evaluated, see Special Circumstances.