Maintaining Your Eligibility
Basic Requirements for Need-Based Financial Aid
All applicants to USC can apply for financial aid if they:
- Are a U.S. citizen; eligible non-citizen such as permanent resident, refugee or asylee;
- Are an undocumented student who meets California Dream Act requirements or has Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status;
- Possess a valid Social Security number (if required); and
- Meet all published deadlines and submit any additional information that we have requested. Applicants who miss published deadlines may be considered for reduced funds.
To receive any aid for which they may be eligible, applicants must meet all published deadlines and submit any additional information that we have requested. Applicants who miss any published deadline may be considered for reduced funds.
International Students
Although international students are not eligible to receive federal or USC need-based financial aid, they may be awarded merit scholarships and/or other departmental awards.
Additionally, international students may apply for some private loans with a qualified cosigner who is a U.S. citizen.
Please visit the International Students page for more information.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
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. Graduate students should visit the Graduate Student page for more information.
Understanding the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy
To satisfy USC’s Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements, students must:
- Meet a minimum grade point average (GPA);
- Earn a minimum number of units for credit each semester (Pace of Progression); and
- Complete their degree objective within a maximum number of semesters and a maximum number of attempted units (Maximum Time Frame Allowance).
You can review our undergraduate 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.
Submitting an SAP Appeal
Please see the USC Catalogue for details regarding SAP review and the appeal process.
Your SAP Appeal must include 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 your pace of progression or GPA, 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 not more than two pages. Please submit any supporting documentation along 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.