<p>Tommy, Stafford loan amounts included in USC need-based packages are as follows:</p>
<p>Freshman year: $5,500 ($3,500 subs, $2,000 unsubs)
Sophomore year: $6,500 ($4,500 subs, $2,000 unsubs)
Junior year: $7,500 ($5,500 subs, $2,000 unsubs)
Senior year: $7,500 ($5,500 subs, $2,000 unsubs)</p>
<p>The subsidized portion of the loan will not accrue interest until 6 months after you graduate OR stop attending more than half-time. The unsubsidized portion begins to accrue interest upon distribution.</p>
<p>“EFC” is a term specific to the FAFSA, and your FAFSA EFC will not apply at USC except for Federal aid including Stafford loans, Federal work/study and Pell grants. For USC grants, USC will use the CSS/Profile, which considers assets the FAFSA does not including home equity, to determine your need and calculate your package. The amount your are expected to contribute at USC will therefore differ from your FAFSA EFC (and by differ, I mean it will likely be more 
). You and your family will have to come up with the difference between your USC-determined need and the cost of attendance. he first page of the FAQ for USC Financial aid at the top of the forum for details on estimating your expected contribution at USC.</p>