<p>First, please be aware that USC uses the FAFSA and the CSS/Profile to determine your need, so the amount you are expected to pay may differ from your FAFSA EFC.</p>
<p>Financial aid packages generally include subsidized Stafford loans ($3,500 freshman year, $4,500 sophomore, and $5,500 each Jr and senior years), unsubsidized Stafford loans of $2,000/year and Federal work/study of $2,000 - $2,500/year. So, at minimum, at Freshman is likely to have $7,500 in loans and work study - even with an EFC of 0. This is called the “self-help” portion of your package. Many students do not consider this “out of pocket,” but eventually the loans will have to come out of someone’s pocket and you have to *work *for the work/study. (Sophomores will have $8,500, and Juniors and Seniors $10,500 minimum in self-help.)</p>
<p>If you earn outside scholarships, in most cases they can be applied to the $7,500 in self-help. The Dean’s scholarship will be considered a resource and will reduce your need - in general USC scholarships cannot be applied to your self-help portion.</p>
<p>I hope this helps answer your questions. If you haven’t already, look at the <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-southern-california/839970-faq-usc-financial-aid-2010-a.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-southern-california/839970-faq-usc-financial-aid-2010-a.html</a> thread for more information.</p>