Loans are money you borrow that must be repaid with interest, and may involve extra fees. USC participates in several federal low-interest loan programs for students and their families. Some of these loans are need-based, while others are not. For details, see the description for each program.

Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and to meet all applicable deadlines. If federal loan limits are insufficient for your needs, you may also want to investigate private loans.

Mandatory Entrance Loan Counseling

First-time borrowers of Federal Stafford and Federal Graduate PLUS Loans at USC are required to complete entrance loan counseling.

  • Visit the EdFund website and click on the red "EdTest" icon in the upper right-hand corner.
  • Choose "California" and then "University of Southern California-Los Angeles" Indicate your enrollment level and press "Continue."
  • Choose "Entrance Exam.” If you do not pass the first time, repeat the test until you get a passing grade.
In addition to completing online counseling, undergraduate first-time borrowers must also attend an in-person session.

Click here for dates, times and locations