<p>Will issue a warning about the Net Price Calculator. It is wildly unreliable and on two different occasions (Preview Day forum Q&A and private consultations on a subsequent visit) the Financial Aid Officers confirmed that it was usually “off”. We put in accurate numbers including assets, equity, another kid in college, etc. and the “financial aid” projected was double the actual awarded amount. So take it with a grain of salt. Some people may come close, but from reading these threads many more don’t. We’re currently consoling the family of a classmate (high grades and scores) who is entering in the spring, has significantly fewer assets, and the “weight” of the tuition is an even bigger burden. USC is unabashedly unapologetic about their costs . But frankly, based on our limited experience, our kid is getting a lot of value for it. But like many, it means deferring retirement savings and/or taking out loans. If you have a business, you’ve got an asset - a big one and it is fair game for USC calculations in a way that it may not be at another school. That may be why so many students are accepted but so few of that number finally enroll. The costs are insurmountable for most.</p>
<p>Which is why I advise new applicants - start by assuming you’ll be a full-pay so that any award you get will feel like a bonus. It lessens the shock when reality sets in. :)</p>