Once determined, financial need represents the total amount of assistance for which the student is eligible. If the student receives need-based aid, the combination of all departmental or outside agency fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, grants, loans and other need-based awards may not exceed the estimated Federal Contribution calculated from the financial aid need analysis formula. What is not covered by need-based aid can be financed through alternative methods. Some of these methods of funding are alternative, unsubsidized, and graduate plus loans.

Financial aid awards are made each year based on the total assessed need of the applicants and the amount of funds available. Awards vary year-to-year depending on allocations received from federal, state and university funding sources. Financial aid is awarded on a priority basis. Applications completed by the stated deadlines are processed and awarded first. Applications completed after the deadline risk losing some funding sources because financial aid funds are given out on a first come, first served basis. Therefore, regardless of a student's status as an applicant or continuing student, we strongly encourage students to complete and submit the financial aid application documents by the deadlines.

Once the financial aid application is complete and eligibility determined, a "Statement of Financial Aid Eligibility" will be sent via email and a notification will be placed on OASIS. Instructions are given on how to accept the financial aid offer and how the funds will be disbursed. This information must be read carefully and the instructions must be followed.

Financial aid is governed by a variety of federal, state and university laws, regulations and policies. Due to continuing changes in federal and state financial aid policies and funding, the specific figures may be subject to change.

We urge you to complete the financial aid application process in order to be considered for every possible type of aid for which you may qualify.

Note: Failure to meet financial aid deadlines may result in the loss of some financial aid awards. We recommend that the financial aid applicant apply early rather than wait for the deadline to submit required documents. Applicants to the School of Pharmacy must meet stated financial aid deadlines even if they have not yet been accepted into the School of Pharmacy.

For more information please call the School of Pharmacy Financial Aid Office at (323) 442-1466 or e-mail pharmfa@usc.edu

Estimated Student Expense Budget 2008-2009

Note: The School requires that all students have major medical coverage. The University will also provide coverage for dependents at an additional estimated cost of $1,391 per year, per spouse and $1,139 per year, per child.