USC offered a prevarication. They raised tuition for many more than 3.5%

[bluebayou]

@nvadad

@bluebayou: the tuition # you referenced might be for 2019-2020. USC’s 2020-2021 tuition is $59,260. https://admission.usc.edu/learn/cost-financial-aid/. , a 3.5% increase from last year. It sucks the school raised EFC for some families at this 11th hour.

My bad, but since when does a college NOT raise tuition/fees every year?

I specifically stated the difference was in expected contribution which takes into effect the decision whether to live at home or on/off campus.

Sorry, John, you are still not clear on exactly what happened/is happening. All colleges have separate COA’s for: living in on-campus housing and living at home. Some even have a separate COA for off-campus housing. Obviously, living at home means no dorm costs, so that is a reduction of $9.3k in the COA. Eating at home supposedly shaves $4k off of the COA.

But as Ward notes, if your financial situation (income?) has changed significantly since you first applied for aid (last Jan?), you should appeal the FA award. Or, is it that your child plans to live in off-campus housing in LA but the FinAid office just assumes studying from home? If the former, definitely appeal.

USC has been historically known for having pretty good need-based – not HYPS level – but better than many other private colleges.

Good luck.