<p>londonx, your EFC is what your family is expected to contribute according to the FAFSA. So you should expect aid in the amount of Cost of Attendance (around $51000) minus EFC ($8100), which will be around $43,000. This also depends on the figures of the CSS Profile, since the info on CSS is more complete. For example if CSS shows that your family has more assets than appears from questions on FAFSA, the aid might go down a bit, but conversely it could increase if CSS info demonstrates more need.</p>
<p>So basically you should expect to have to pay around $8100, and expect aid in the amount of the $43,000 that’s left to pay, which will be covered by grants, low interest loans, or work study. USC tends to be generous, so if FAFSA/CSS demonstrates you really can’t pay more than $8000, you’ll probably be offered an attractive package. I’m no expert in this, but if you need to know more about the particular kind of loans, I’d suggest you have a look in the Financial Aid threads. When you get your finaid offer, this will also be explained and outlined. Remember too that if there are special circumstances in your family that do not show up on FAFSA/CSS, you can appeal the offer if you can base it on solid evidence of need.</p>