<p>Tommy, keep in mind that merit scholarships are kinda hard to obtain…However, if you’re income is low enough, they’re not really necessary. :)</p>
<p>If you obtained a merit scholarship, USC would meet the rest of your need with financial aid. If you don’t receive a scholarship, they’d meet your entire need with financial aid.</p>
<p>So why scholarships, if they don’t make a difference?</p>
<p>Well, for people whose income is high enough, a scholarship often is bigger than the financial aid they receive. & for lower income students -if your income were to suddenly increase, your aid would decrease, but your scholarship (since you’ve earned it) remains.</p>
<p>The bad part about USC?
They’re not as well endowed as other “meet 100% of need” universities, and thus are forced to include some loans in the financial aid package as part of meeting your need. However, they’re commited to giving you mostly grants.</p>
<p>You should try their Net Price Calculator. My income is much higher, and I still get full tuition with financial aid, scholarship or not. Sooo you’d definitely get a much sweeter deal. ;)</p>
<p>By the way, if you’ve done well academically, I think you’d be a great candidate for the Questbridge program. :)</p>