Applying for Financial Aid

The FAFSA becomes available in the fall. Check back for specific dates.

• Visit fafsa.gov to submit your 2025-2026 application before the May 2, 2025, deadline.
• Use your 2023 student income.
• USC’s Federal School Code (OPEID): 001328.

You can complete the USC Financial Aid Supplement via your FAST portal.

Enter the range of academic units for which you will enroll each semester.

• The total number of units indicated on this form MUST match the number of units you enroll in. Any errors may cause a delay in the disbursement of your financial aid.
• If you are unsure how many units you will take, please contact your academic advisor for help before submitting this form.

Submit any additional documents to the Financial Aid Office within 10 days.

Documents submitted to the USC Financial Aid Office become the property of the university and cannot be returned to the student or duplicated for any purpose.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Unsubsidized Loans are available to students regardless of income. A credit check is not required, although a prior default on a federal student loan will disqualify you from borrowing additional funds.

• Complete the Federal Direct Loan Request form.
• Learn more at studentaid.gov.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are available to eligible borrowers who meet the credit requirements.

• Review the credit requirements at studentaid.gov.
• Complete the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Request by visiting studentaid.gov and following the instructions provided.
• The Department of Education will notify us electronically once you have completed the process.

To be considered for Federal Work-Study, students must:

• Must be enrolled in in-person classes on one of our campuses. *
• Submit the FAFSA and Financial Aid Supplement by May 2, 2025.
• Enroll in 8 or more units per semester.
• Demonstrate exceptional financial need.

*Federal Work-Study is not available for students participating in online master’s degree programs.

The FAFSA becomes available in the fall. Check back for specific dates.

• Visit fafsa.gov to submit your 2025-2026 application before the May 2, 2025, deadline.
• Use your 2023 student income.
• USC’s Federal School Code (OPEID): 001328.

You can complete the USC Financial Aid Supplement via your FAST portal.

Enter the range of academic units for which you will enroll each semester.

• The total number of units indicated on this form MUST match the number of units you enroll in. Any errors may cause a delay in the disbursement of your financial aid.
• If you are unsure how many units you will take, please contact your academic advisor for help before submitting this form.

Submit any additional documents to the Financial Aid Office within 10 days.

Documents submitted to the USC Financial Aid Office become the property of the university and cannot be returned to the student or duplicated for any purpose.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Unsubsidized Loans are available to students regardless of income. A credit check is not required, although a prior default on a federal student loan will disqualify you from borrowing additional funds.

• Complete the Federal Direct Loan Request form.
• Learn more at studentaid.gov.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are available to eligible borrowers who meet the credit requirements.

• Review the credit requirements at studentaid.gov.
• Complete the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Request by visiting studentaid.gov and following the instructions provided.
• The Department of Education will notify us electronically once you have completed the process.

To be considered for Federal Work-Study, students must:

• Must be enrolled in in-person classes on one of our campuses. *
• Submit the FAFSA and Financial Aid Supplement by May 2, 2025.
• Enroll in 8 or more units per semester.
• Demonstrate exceptional financial need.

*Federal Work-Study is not available for students participating in online master’s degree programs.

The FAFSA becomes available in the fall. Check back for specific dates.

• Visit fafsa.gov to submit your 2025-2026 application before the April 1, 2025, deadline.
• Use your 2023 student income.
• USC’s Federal School Code (OPEID) is 001328.

Follow the instructions provided on your Financial Aid Summary and Tasks (FAST) portal to complete and submit the Financial Aid Supplement online.

Respond to any requests for additional information within 10 days.

Important Note: Documents submitted to the USC Financial Aid Office become the property of the university and cannot be returned to the student or duplicated for any purpose.

Admitted and continuing students who meet all requirements will be notified of their financial aid eligibility online.

You will need to complete additional steps to ensure that your loans are processed and available in time to pay your semester tuition and fees. Read more in the Loans section of this website.