University of Southern California (USC) scholarships

The good news is that scholarships and financial aid can make a meaningful difference. Research from Sallie’s “How America Pays for College 2026” found that 61% of families used scholarships to help pay for college, with an average of $8,291 received among scholarship users.

USC students may be able to combine university scholarships, need-based grants, federal aid, work opportunities, and private scholarships to help reduce college costs. This guide explains how USC scholarships work, where outside scholarships fit in, and how to build a practical funding strategy.

Is USC expensive?

USC is a private university, so paying for it can be a major consideration for students and families. However, USC reports that approximately two-thirds of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid.

Instead of focusing only on the published price, consider your estimated net cost after scholarships, grants, and other financial aid.

How much does USC cost?

What you pay to attend USC can depend on factors such as your program, housing choices, personal expenses, and financial aid. That means the published price may be very different from your actual cost after scholarships and financial aid.

To explore estimated costs, financial aid information, admissions information, and other details about attending USC, visit the University of Southern California's profile on Scout College Search. It's a helpful starting point for comparing costs and planning how you'll pay for college.

Does USC offer scholarships?

USC says its merit scholarships range from a few thousand dollars up to full tuition. These awards are highly competitive, so students should also explore need-based aid, departmental scholarships, donor-funded awards, and private scholarships.

What about full-tuition scholarships?

Yes. USC says its Merit Scholarships range from a few thousand dollars up to full tuition. These scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, service, and talent

USC Merit Scholarships explained

USC Merit Scholarships are administered through the Office of Admission and range from a few thousand dollars up to full tuition. USC awards them based on academic excellence, leadership, service, and talent, and describes the competition for these scholarships as highly competitive.

USC reports that more than 1,000 admitted students received merit scholarships of $10,000 per year or more last year. Students don't need to submit a need-based financial aid application to be considered for a merit scholarship offered by the Office of Admission.

USC also currently awards a $20,000-per-year scholarship to students who are admitted to USC, named National Merit Finalists, and list USC as their first-choice institution with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Application deadlines for USC Merit Scholarships are available through USC's Dates and Deadlines information.

National Merit Scholarship

USC also offers scholarship funding for eligible admitted students who are named National Merit Finalists and designate USC as their first-choice institution with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Students should review USC's current merit scholarship information for the latest details about the award and requirements.

Other USC scholarship opportunities

Some USC scholarships are administered outside the Office of Admission, including scholarships from campus offices and alumni groups. These opportunities generally require a separate application and may have their own deadlines and eligibility requirements.

USC says most available scholarships are listed through Scholarship Universe, a scholarship matching tool for students. Some departmental scholarships and other opportunities are posted separately on individual websites.

Research from “How America Pays for College 2026” found that 67% of families who didn’t use scholarships said the student never applied. Exploring opportunities beyond USC's best-known scholarships may uncover additional funding that can be combined through scholarship stacking.

USC financial aid explained

Scholarships are only one part of paying for USC. Many students use a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study, student employment, family contributions, and student loans.

Students seeking need-based aid generally need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and CSS Profile. Undocumented and DACA students should review USC's current financial aid instructions to determine whether the California Dream Act Application applies to them.

How do outside scholarships affect USC financial aid?

Outside scholarships may change the mix of aid in a student's financial aid package. USC notes that most scholarships replace some type of financial aid in the student's aid summary.

If you receive an outside scholarship, report it to USC and review your updated financial aid information so you understand how the award affects your package.

Private scholarships for USC students

One of the biggest scholarship mistakes students make is assuming USC scholarships are the only option. Private scholarships can come from community foundations, employers, nonprofits, professional associations, local organizations, and scholarship platforms.

Private scholarships can help cover tuition, housing, books, fees, and other education-related expenses, depending on each award's rules.

California scholarships

Students can explore California-based scholarships from local foundations, civic organizations, employers, and state programs. Local scholarships may be worth adding to your search alongside larger national awards.

Film, media, and arts scholarships

Students pursuing film, media, performing arts, communication, journalism, and creative fields can look for scholarships connected to their major, portfolio, creative work, or career goals.

STEM and engineering scholarships

Students studying engineering, computer science, data science, health sciences, math, or other technical fields can explore STEM scholarships, engineering scholarships, and career-related awards.

First-generation scholarships

First-generation college students can also look for scholarships designed to support students who are among the first in their families to attend college.

Tools like Scholly^® Scholarships can help students find private scholarships based on their background, interests, major, and goals.

Scholarships for USC transfer students

Transfer students can still find scholarship opportunities at USC. While some major merit scholarships are associated with the first-year admission process, transfer students can explore departmental, campus, alumni-group, and private scholarships, including opportunities listed through Scholarship Universe.

Students seeking need-based aid should follow USC's current transfer financial aid instructions and submit the FAFSA® and other required forms by the applicable deadlines.

Scholarships for international students at USC

International undergraduate students aren't eligible for federal or USC need-based financial aid, but USC says they may be awarded merit scholarships and other departmental awards. International applicants who apply by the appropriate deadline are eligible to be considered for USC Merit Scholarships.

Because need-based aid is limited for international students, they can also explore private scholarships and other external funding opportunities. USC's international student financial aid information provides current guidance on available funding options.