Key takeaways
In this article we are going to cover everything you need to know to navigate the costs effectively.
- The total estimated cost of attendance at USC for undergraduate students in 2025-2026 is around $91,800, which includes tuition, fees, housing, and meals.
- USC meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, replacing loans with grants for families earning $80,000 or less.
- Scholarships, including merit-based awards, can cover up to full tuition, really lowering out-of-pocket expenses for students.
- Timely submission of the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and USC Financial Aid Supplement is important to maximize financial aid opportunities.
Contents
- 1 What Is the Total Cost of Attendance at University of Southern California (USC) for 2025?
- 2 What Financial Aid Options Are Available for USC Students?
- 3 How Do Scholarships Affect the Cost of Attendance at USC?
- 4 What Are the Graduate Tuition and Fees at USC?
- 5 What Are the Per Credit Hour Costs at USC?
The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the most prestigious private research universities in the U.S.—and one of the most expensive. The total estimated cost for the 2025-2026 academic year is approximately $91,800, but there are different financial aid options can really reduce this burden.
What Is the Total Cost of Attendance at University of Southern California (USC) for 2025?
For the 2025-2026 academic year, the total cost of attendance at the University of Southern California (USC) for undergraduate students is approximately $91,800. This includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, and other necessary expenses.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Category | Estimated Cost (2025-2026) |
| Tuition | $68,250 |
| Mandatory Fees | $1,100 |
| Housing (On-Campus) | $11,400 |
| Meals | $6,400 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,800 |
| Transportation | $1,650 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $91,800 |
Are There Additional Costs Beyond University of Southern California Tuition and Fees?
“If you have your own health insurance you can opt out of the USC student health insurance. You could also go without tuition refund insurance, but that’s a choice for you to make in the end. AFAIK you can’t ‘opt out’ of anything else”
Yes, at the University of Southern California (USC), additional costs beyond tuition and fees can impact your total budget. These expenses are often underestimated, but they need to be considered when planning your finances.
| Cost Category | Estimated Amount | Details |
| Health Insurance | ~$2,800 | Mandatory unless waived with proof of comparable coverage |
| Course/Lab Fees | Varies | Some majors (e.g., cinema, science) require additional materials or labs |
| Technology Needs | Varies (~$500-$1,500) | Laptop, software, or device upgrades for coursework |
What Financial Aid Options Are Available for USC Students?
“Don’t let the tuition number discourage you! USC’s financial aid system is designed to meet real needs, and students who plan ahead often unlock substantial support.”
USC offers different types of financial aid to reduce the actual cost of attendance for undergraduate students in the 2025-2026 academic year. These options are designed to support families with low income levels and include both need-based and merit-based aid.
| Type of Aid | Details |
| USC Need-Based Grants | Cover up to full tuition for families earning $80,000 or less with typical assets |
| Merit Scholarships | Awarded for academic excellence, leadership, or talent. Includes Trustee, Presidential, and Deans Scholarships |
| Federal and State Grants | Pell Grants and Cal Grants available for eligible U.S. citizens and California residents |
| Federal Work-Study | Allows students to earn wages through part-time campus jobs to help cover personal expenses |
| Federal Student Loans | Subsidized and unsubsidized loans with repayment starting after graduation |
| Parent PLUS and Private Loans | Optional credit-based loans taken out by parents or students |
| Outside Scholarships | USC accepts third-party scholarships to reduce the calculated family contribution or unmet need |
For the 2025-2026 academic year, graduate tuition and fees at the University of Southern California (USC) vary by program, but most students can expect the following base costs:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
| Tuition (per unit) | $2,250 |
| Typical Full-Time Load | 8-14 units per semester |
| Full-Time Tuition (9 units/semester) | ~$40,500 per year ($20,250 per semester) |
| Student Services Fee | ~$500 per semester |
| Health Insurance | ~$2,800 per year (mandatory unless waived) |
| Books and Supplies | ~$1,200 per year |
| Room and Board | ~$17,000-$22,000 per year (depending on housing choice) |
| Transportation & Personal | ~$3,000 per year |
Some graduate and professional programs, like those in law, business (MBA), dentistry, cinema, and engineering, have differential tuition, which can bring the total cost of attendance closer to $60,000-$90,000 per year, including fees and living expenses.
What Are the Per Credit Hour Costs at USC?
“12‑18 units is a flat rate ($31 734). 19 and 20 units is an extra cost of $2 137 per unit according to the Fall 2022 rates”
At the University of Southern California (USC), per credit hour costs for graduate programs vary by department, but the standard tuition rate for most master’s and doctoral programs is:
| Program Type | Per Credit Hour (Estimated) |
| Standard Graduate Programs | $2,250 |
| USC Marshall School of Business (MBA) | ~$2,350-$2,500 |
| USC Viterbi School of Engineering | ~$2,148 |
| USC Rossier School of Education | ~$2,148 |
| USC Gould School of Law (LLM/JD) | Flat rate or ~$3,200 per unit |
| USC School of Cinematic Arts | ~$2,200-$2,400 |
Most graduate students enroll in 8-14 units per semester, meaning a full-time semester could cost $18,000-$31,000+, depending on the program.
Note:
- Some schools use flat-rate tuition once you reach a certain unit threshold.
- Additional program-specific fees may apply.
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist
Sources: University of Southern California, Reddit
