Aid Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

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

  • Be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.
  • Have a valid Social Security number.
  • Be registered with the Selective Service System (if applicable).
  • 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.

International Students

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.