Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements
Before you apply for financial aid, make sure you meet the following requirements.
All financial aid applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.
- Possess a valid Social Security number.
- Not be in default on a prior federal student loan.
- Be admitted to a degree-granting program of study or an eligible certificate program at USC.
- Be enrolled in a minimum of 4 units per semester in a master’s degree program, or 3 units in a doctoral program, or be enrolled in a course considered full-time by the registrar (thesis/dissertation).
- Make satisfactory academic progress toward completion of their degree.
Maintaining Your Eligibility
Federal and state regulations require that financial aid recipients show satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward their degree objective(s).
Please note: The SAP policy differs by grade level. Undergraduate students should visit our Maintaining Your Eligibility page for more information.
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To satisfy USC’s satisfactory academic progress requirements, students must:
- Meet a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA).
- Earn a minimum number of units for credit each semester (Pace of Progression).
- Complete their degree objective(s) within a maximum number of semesters and a maximum number of attempted units (Maximum Time Frame Allowance).
You may also wish to review our graduate SAP Policy brochure or the USC Catalogue.
If you fail to meet any of the criteria listed above, you may need to submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal.
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Please refer to the USC Catalogue for details regarding the SAP review and appeal process.
Your SAP Appeal must include both the Academic Plan and Student’s Letter of Appeal.
Academic Plan (Page 2 of the Appeal Form)
We encourage you and your advisor to discuss any concerns you might have about your proposed coursework before submitting your appeal. Your academic advisor must sign the form and provide their contact information.
Student’s Letter of Appeal
Along with your appeal form, submit a statement explaining the reason for your appeal.
If your appeal concerns a pace of progression or GPA deficiency, provide a detailed account of:
- What caused your work at USC to fall below acceptable standards. Think carefully and be specific.
- How those conflicts have been resolved.
- How you intend to maintain good academic standards and progress toward your degree if your appeal is granted.
If your appeal concerns the maximum time frame allowance, please explain why you need more time to complete your program of study.
Statements should be typed and no more than two pages. Submit any supporting documentation with this form.
Upload your letter and documentation online through your FAST portal.
An SAP appeal must be submitted before the end of the semester for which the aid is sought. Financial aid cannot be reinstated retroactively for a past semester.
If Your Appeal Is Approved
Academic Considerations: You will be expected to meet the enrollment and grade-point goals set for each semester. We encourage you and your academic advisor to be realistic when planning the number of units you will complete each semester.
Financial Consideration: Your appeal will be funded with financial aid funds available at the time your appeal is reviewed.
If Your Appeal Is Denied
Students who are not eligible for federal and university financial aid may be eligible for private loan financing and/or the USC Payment Plan.
Appeal Funding
Re-evaluation of your financial aid eligibility is subject to federal, state and university regulations, and is based on:
- Availability of funds;
- The timeliness of your original application for financial aid; and
- The timeliness of your appeal and the nature of the change in circumstances.
Notification
We will notify you of our decision, or if we require additional information.
Additional Information
