<p>Well, as you mention, the main benefit is that your tuition is paid - for this year it is $40,384. The Trustee Scholarship is not a fixed amount: if tuition goes up, your scholarship will be increased to cover it. So over four years it is worth *at least *$161,536. You also become eligible for “exceptional funding,” which is for units beyond the typical 18/semester. For example, if you choose to take classes over the summer - or a summer study abroad program - the tuition portion may (the program would have to be through USC) be covered by your scholarship up to 8 additional units. (Each extra unit would normally cost about $1,300, so that is worth up to $10,400. </p>
<p>The other MAJOR benefit is priority consideration for Thematic Option.</p>
<p>You also are automatically a member of ATPS [Trustee</a> and Presidential Scholars](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/arp//scholars.htm]Trustee”>http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/arp//scholars.htm) , and there are events availble there. </p>
<p>As far as research opportunities, ALL USC students have incredible opportunities for research. It is what you do as a student from the day you arrive on campus that will most impact your opportunities for research.</p>
<p>*Presidential Scholars receive all the same benefits, but tuition is covered for 1/2 the amount - so your exceptional funding is for 8 half-units. You cannot exchange that for 4 full units.</p>
<p>**Just found out about a program to allow any student - not just Trustee or Presidential Scholars - who have at least a 3.75 in 32 units total (12 of which must be at USC) and are pursuing multiple degrees (Double major or major+minor) to take up to 20 or 21 units per semester for no extra charge. [USC</a> Academic Achievement Award | Undergraduate Education](<a href=“http://undergrad.usc.edu/renaissance/achievement_award.html]USC”>http://undergrad.usc.edu/renaissance/achievement_award.html)</p>