Apply as early as possible to ensure you receive notification of your financial aid eligibility before the May 1 National Candidates' Reply Date. To be considered for USC merit scholarships, apply for admission by December 1. Respond to any additional requests from USC within 15 days. To monitor your status, log in to My Financial Aid & Documents.
To receive financial aid, students must: be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, be admitted to USC, maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress and not be in default on prior loans.
Families occasionally experience unforeseen changes during the application period and/or academic year (e.g., job loss, illness, etc.). If this applies to you, notify the Financial Aid Office in writing outlining the circumstances. Include copies of appropriate supporting documentation, and write your USC ID number on the first page of each document. You will be contacted if additional documentation is required. For additional information, visit Appealing Your Financial Aid Award.
APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID
February 2, 2011
- CSS/PROFILE Application
Complete the 2011-2012 PROFILE Application online. This, along with your FAFSA information, will help determine your eligibility for USC student aid funds.- Use your best estimates of 2010 parent and student income.
- Be sure to include your Social Security number.
- USC’s CSS School Code is 4852.
- USC does not participate in the CSS IDOC program.
- USC does not require the CSS Non-Custodial Parent form or the CSS Business Supplemental Form.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Complete the 2011-2012 FAFSA Application online. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for the low-interest Federal Direct Stafford Loan as well as federal and state grants.- Use your best estimates of 2010 parent and student income.
- USC’s Federal School Code is 001328.
March 2, 2011
- California Residents: Apply for a Cal Grant
The Cal Grant equals about $9,700 annually at USC.
Freshman Applicants and Transfer Applicants Not Currently Receiving a Cal Grant:
- Submit the FAFSA and have the school you currently attend or most recently attended submit your certified GPA to the Cal Grant Program.
- For the fastest, most secure processing, your school may upload GPA information directly to the California Student Aid Commission's system.
- If electronic submission is unavailable, request that your school certify a paper Cal Grant GPA Verification Form, available at www.csac.ca.gov.
- If you received a Cal Grant at your previous college, you will need to transfer the grant to USC by posting a school change at WebGrants for Students at www.csac.ca.gov.
- Student and Parent Federal Income Tax Return Information or Non-Filing Statement Forms
Please visit My Financial Aid & Documents and log in following the instructions provided.- Submit information regarding student and parent 2010 federal income tax returns, including all schedules and W-2 forms.
- NEW for 2011-2012: For faster, more efficient processing, students and their families can now submit their tax information online through our form at "My Financial Aid & Documents."
- Your tax information will not be stored anywhere online and will remain completely secure.
- In most cases, your student record will be updated within 24 hours.
- Students will need to grant their parents access through an e-mail invitation, which will include a link and temporary PIN.
- Please note: At this time, the Online Tax Information Form is compatible with only IRS Form 1040. We hope to support Forms 1040A and 1040EZ in the future.
- NEW for 2011-2012: For faster, more efficient processing, students and their families can now submit their tax information online through our form at "My Financial Aid & Documents."
- USC does not require state tax returns.
- Submit information regarding student and parent 2010 federal income tax returns, including all schedules and W-2 forms.
- are married and filed separately: Submit information for both tax returns.
- are divorced or separated: Provide information from your custodial parent's 2010 federal tax return. If your parents filed jointly for 2010, submit information from that return. If your custodial parent has remarried, submit information for him/her and your stepparent. You will be advised if tax information from your non-custodial parent is required.
- are not legally required to file a federal income tax return for 2010: Submit a completed 2011–2012 Parent Non-Filing Statement form.
- file a tax return in another country : Submit a 2011-2012 Parent Non-Filing Statement form indicating that they are filling a foreign return and attach translated documentation of their income, such as a foreign tax return, employer statement, etc. Convert all amounts to U.S. dollars. Please also submit a completed 2011-2012 Parent Income and Expense form.
As Soon As Possible, If Applicable:
- Custodial Parent Form
Submit the 2011-2012 USC Custodial Parent Form, with appropriate documentation, to the Financial Aid Office.- Completing this form is required only if your custodial parent is currently single, divorced, separated, remarried, or was never married.
- USC does not require the CSS Non-Custodial Parent Form.
- USC will determine an expected contribution for the custodial parent, the non-custodial parent, and the stepparent, as appropriate.
- Special Circumstances
If your family has special circumstances you would like us to consider such as job loss, salary decrease or illness, please submit a detailed letter and supporting documentation. - Business Owners
Parents who are business owners must also submit a copy of their business tax documents to the Financial Aid Office. Submit a copy of your K-1 statement, if applicable, and a copy of the first five pages of the corporate tax return or partnership tax return, for each business.
- Submit any additional documents requested by the Financial Aid Office within 15 days.
- Documents submitted to the USC Financial Aid Office become the property of the University and cannot be returned to the student or duplicated for any purpose.