<p>You should use the Institutional Method Financial Aid calculator on the College Board website to get an idea of how much you will be expected to contribute at a school that uses the CSS/Profile (USC is one such school).</p>
<p>The schools will determine how much you are expected to contribute based on the information in your financial aid applications and tax returns, so the amount you feel you can afford isn’t a consideration (except for you and your family, of course).</p>
<p>If you have siblings who are:
-undergraduates
-attend college full-time
-under age 24
it may reduce your family’s expected contribution. PLEASE be aware that in future years if those siblings:
-graduate, even if they continue as graduate students
-attend only part-time
-reach age 24
the benefit disappears and you will be expected to contribute considerably more at USC.</p>
<p>For more information about USC financial aid, visit the website and read the first few pages of this thread: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-southern-california/839970-faq-usc-financial-aid-2010-a.html?highlight=faq+financial+aid+2010[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-southern-california/839970-faq-usc-financial-aid-2010-a.html?highlight=faq+financial+aid+2010</a> . You can also search that thread for answers to lots of questions.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>