<p>I’ll trade you packages! 
:)</p>
<p>**maylix, USC’s 2010-2011 cost of attendance is</p>
<p>$55,578 USC Financial Aid - Applying & Receiving Financial Aid - Undergraduate - Costs</p>
<p>USC includes the $5,500 Federal Loans and w/s as your self-help portion. Self help is financial aid and is not considered your family contribution.</p>
<p>$5,500 + $2,500 + $47,000 = $55,000.</p>
<p>Your family contribution in this package is:</p>
<p>$578</p>
<p>You will be taking out the loans, not your parents. As GeorgiaGirl mentions, outside scholarships can be helpful. USC would most likely allow you to replace the $3,500 subsidized Stafford and/or your work/study with outside scholarships.</p>
<p>You should be able to find summer employment to earn the $578 family contribution.</p>
<p>You certainly can appeal the package, but this is a fantastic package. A REALLY fantastic package. I am not sure what your approach would be. If there is a reason you cannot work at all this summer, you could present that and see if they will give you another $500 in grants… but again, you received a fantastic package.</p>
<p>One item in the COA is “books and supplies” $1,500. Buy purchasing used books from online sources, you may be able to save the $578 on that part of the budget. College Confidential users will have lots of great suggestions for textbook buying in August.</p>
<p>Congratulations!**</p>