The following options are available to cover the balance of your Cost of Attendance (after any financial aid is posted to your account).  You can pay in several ways:

• From savings or current income. (Pay the USC Cashier’s Office directly.)
• With the USC 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 five monthly installments per semester. The application fee is $50. For more information, visit the Student Financial Services website.
• With the USC Pre-payment Plan, which allows you to prepay up to five years of full-time tuition and mandatory fees for students who have been admitted to the university.  For more information, visit the Student Financial Services website.
• With additional loans for all or part of the amount. If you do apply for loans, you should apply for the amount you will need for the entire academic year.

Graduate and Professional Student Federal PLUS Loan

If you choose to borrow a loan for all or part of the family contribution, your first source is the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, which features a low, fixed interest rate (currently 7.9 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

In most cases, students who choose to use private financing to cover all, or part, of the family contribution will need to apply with a credit-worthy co-borrower. This may substantially reduce interest and fees. For more information about private loans, visit the Private Financing section of this website.

Appealing Your Financial Aid Award

If your family experiences unforeseen changes to its circumstances, and you would like to request a re-evaluation of your financial aid award, visit Special Circumstances.