Aid Eligibility

Your eligibility for financial aid funds is determined by federal and university regulations. Graduate applicants should:

• Be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.
• Have a valid Social Security number.
• Not be in default on prior federal student loans.
• Be admitted to a degree-granting program of study or an eligible certificate program at USC.
• Be enrolled in the minimum number of units required for their program of study: *
  • Master’s degree program: 4 units per semester
  • Doctoral program: 3 units per semester
• Make satisfactory academic progress toward completion of their degree.

*Alternatively, graduate students must be enrolled in a course considered full-time by the registrar, such as a thesis/dissertation.

Graduate applicants are also required to meet all published deadlines and submit any additional information we may request.

Please note: Applicants who miss any published deadline will not be eligible for Federal Work-Study.

Although need-based financial aid is not available to international students, you may be eligible for:

• Merit scholarships and/or other departmental awards.
• Some private loans, if you apply with a qualified co-signer who is a U.S. citizen.

Please visit the International Student page for more information.