Financial Aid at USC

alamemom
Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:27:47 +0000

What has made you think USC gives loans for the need portion instead of grants? And what has made you think the UCs will not offer loans as part of your financial aid?

USC and the UCs will both offer you about $5,500 in subsidized loans and $2,500 in work/study as part of your need-based award. (The work/study may vary a bit.) Even with an EFC of 0 this would be the case. The rest of your need from USC will most likely be in grants. Giving loans (generally PLUS loans) for the need portion is called “gapping,” and USC does not gap. They guarantee to meet 100% of USC-determined need.

The UCs do not make the same guarantee, and would only offer grants if you are determined to be a California resident. If your EFC is under $26,000, USC’s offer is likely to be as good or better than the UC’s. (Our family received financial aid offers from USC, UCB and UCLA last year. The costs to our family were almost identical for all three. We are California residents.)