Investing in Graduate Education
Whether you are looking to advance in your current profession or positioning yourself for a mid-career pivot, pursuing an advanced degree represents a significant investment of time and resources. The USC Financial Aid Office can help you manage your investment, navigate the process and plan for the future.
Graduate students at USC have a number of resources available to them. While need-based aid such as low-interest federal loans and Federal Work-Study is available, your academic department or professional school will become your primary sources of support. Together with the Graduate School, USC departments and schools award numerous grants and graduate fellowships and assistantships. Awards from agency sponsors, as well as scholarships from sources outside the university also provide significant sources of support.
Students in USC doctoral programs receive extensive financial support that enables them to devote their full attention to their studies.
Information at Your Fingertips
We encourage you to download our Investing in Graduate Education booklet for insights into the costs associated with graduate study and how to plan for them. Please note, however, that due to recent changes in federal legislation, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans will not be available after June 30, 2026. Visit our One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) page for more details about key changes to federal financial aid programs.
