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Financial aid

What is tuition costs for housing?

At the University of Southern California (USC), tuition and housing costs are distinct components of the overall cost of attendance. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the tuition is set at $73,260 per year, which remains constant regardless of whether students live on or off campus.

Housing Costs

The estimated housing allowance for students is $12,879 for the year. However, actual housing expenses can vary significantly based on individual choices and living arrangements. For instance, off-campus rent can range from approximately $900 for a shared room to over $2,000 per month for a studio or one-bedroom apartment, with additional utility costs typically between $100-$150 monthly.

Total Estimated Cost of Attendance

When combined with other expenses such as fees, food, and personal costs, the total estimated cost of attendance for an off-campus student is around $99,139. This figure is crucial for determining financial aid eligibility and may change for students graduating in 2027.

Recent questions at University of Southern California

Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Housing

Are students guaranteed dorm housing all 4 years, and when does the application for next year open

At the University of Southern California (USC), housing policies dictate that while freshmen and sophomores are typically guaranteed university housing for their first two years, upperclassmen (juniors and seniors) are not guaranteed housing. Instead, they must enter a housing lottery for any available spots, often resulting in many upperclassmen seeking off-campus housing options.

Housing Application Dates

The application timeline varies based on student status:

  • New Incoming Students (Fall 2026): The application portal opens on February 2, 2026.
  • Returning Residents (Housing Renewal): Current residents can apply from January 20 to January 23, 2026.
  • New Spring Students (Spring 2027): Applications for students starting in January 2027 open on July 1, 2026.
It is crucial for freshmen to submit their applications by May 1, 2026 to maintain their housing guarantee. Applications must be completed through the USC Housing Portal.
Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Admissions

When do students find out when they get in? And if they got a scholarship already does that mean they are giong to get in?

The admission decision timeline at the University of Southern California (USC) varies based on the applicant type and application plan.

Key Dates

  • Early Action (EA): Applicants who submitted by November 1 generally receive decisions by mid- to late January.
  • Early Decision (Marshall School only): Binding applicants are notified by mid-December.
  • Regular Decision: Those applying by the January 10 deadline will find out by April 1.
  • Transfer Students: Notifications are typically sent by May 31.
Scholarship Implications

Receiving a merit scholarship, such as the Trustee or Presidential scholarship, is a strong indicator of admission, as these scholarships are integrated into the admission process. However, some applicants may only be named as scholarship finalists, which requires further evaluation before a final admission decision is made. Notably, being a National Merit Finalist does not guarantee admission; applicants must first be admitted through the standard process before any scholarship can be applied (USC Undergraduate Admission).

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