<p>And now to leave a note about the topic of the thread :)</p>
<p>Approximately 60% of USC undergraduates receive need-based aid, and that aid ranges from only a $3,500 subsidized Stafford to packages of over $50,000. There is some crossover with the 24% of undergraduates receiving merit scholarships, so my informal estimate is that about 30 to 35% of USC undergraduates are paying full-cost at USC without need-based or merit-based aid. Some of those receiving need-based aid are paying as much or more than you because the basic need-based component, the unsubsidized Stafford, is less than your 1/4 tuition award.</p>
<p>You are in very good company :)</p>