University of Southern California Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Automatic and competitive scholarships for first-year students
- Full-tuition Trustee and Presidential awards
- National Merit and departmental scholarships
- Key application and financial aid deadlines
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~11.2%
- Middle 50% SAT: 1440–1550
- Middle 50% ACT: 32–35
- Average HS GPA: ~3.9 (unweighted)
Source: USC Common Data Set 2024–25 and USC Financial Aid Estimate.
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USC at a Glance
Last verified: October 24, 2025
The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the few major private universities to offer full-tuition merit scholarships. Its most competitive awards — the Trustee Scholarship (full tuition) and Presidential Scholarship (half tuition) — are open to top students who apply by the December 1 early deadline.
USC also provides extensive need-based aid and aims to support admitted students’ access to opportunity. Scholarships recognise academic excellence, leadership, and community impact — with interviews required for top awards.
FAQ
What is USC’s top scholarship?
The Trustee Scholarship covers full tuition for four years and is awarded to a small number of top applicants after invitation-only interviews.
When is the merit scholarship deadline?
You must apply to USC by December 1 to be considered for all major merit scholarships.
Does USC meet full financial need for its students?
USC states a comprehensive aid strategy, though public disclosure of “100% of demonstrated need” is not explicitly labeled; applicants should confirm via the Financial Aid Office.
What’s the average net price?
Around $41,496 after aid, though individual costs vary widely depending on scholarship and family circumstances.
https://admission.usc.edu/
https://admission.usc.edu/first-year-student-profile/
https://financialaid.usc.edu/
https://financialaid.usc.edu/scholarships/
https://catalogue.usc.edu/
https://datausa.io/profile/university/university-of-southern-california
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?123961-University-of-Southern-California
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=123961
💰 Cost of Attendance at the University of Southern California
| Expense | On/Off Campus | With Parents/Relatives |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $75,162 | $75,162 |
| Housing & Meals | $20,907 | $6,805 |
| Total Direct Costs (before aid) | $96,069 | $81,967 |
Note: Additional estimated costs (books, transportation, and personal expenses — typically $2,000–$3,000) are not included above because they are not billed directly by USC. These vary by student and lifestyle.
- Who qualifies? U.S. citizens and permanent residents who meet income and asset thresholds.
- How it helps: Covers full tuition ($73,260 in 2025–26); students still pay for housing, meals, and personal costs.
- How to apply: Submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the published deadlines — no separate form required.
FAQ: USC Cost of Attendance
Does USC offer tuition reciprocity or regional discounts?
No. USC is a private university and does not participate in WUE or state reciprocity programs.
What’s the real cost for most families?
Families earning under $80,000 often pay $0 in tuition thanks to USC’s Affordability Initiative, with total costs limited to living expenses.
Are grants and scholarships automatic?
All admitted students are automatically considered for need-based aid once they file the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
https://admission.usc.edu/cost-and-financial-aid/
https://financialaid.usc.edu/
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=123961
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?123961-University-of-Southern-California
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
USC does not publish admission-based “automatic” merit tiers (no GPA/test grid). All USC institutional merit is selected holistically through the admission review and scholarship committees.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | USC has no automatic (guaranteed) admission-based merit awards. | — | — | Institutional merit is competitive/committee-selected (see Competitive Scholarships below). | Nov 1 (EA); Dec 1 (portfolio/audition majors) |
Note: Because USC does not offer tiered “auto-merit,” there are no GPA/ACT/SAT cutoffs to publish. Selection for USC-funded awards happens through the holistic review tied to early scholarship deadlines.
USC participates in National Merit (separate recognition for admitted National Merit Finalists).
USC is a STAMPS Scholarship partner (administered via USC’s top competitive merit programs).
USC is a QuestBridge National College Match partner (separate, need-based full-ride pathway for high-achieving, lower-income students).
Automatic Merit FAQ (USC)
Is there an application for USC “auto-merit”?
No. USC does not have guaranteed automatic merit. To be considered for USC-administered merit, submit your admission application by USC’s scholarship deadlines (Nov 1 or Dec 1 depending on school/program).
Does USC superscore tests?
Yes — when scores are submitted, USC considers your highest section scores across test dates (SAT/ACT superscoring). USC is test-optional; submitting scores is not required, but can help some applicants for merit review.
How do stacking rules work at USC?
Most USC institutional merit awards are mutually exclusive (you keep the highest one). Tuition-restricted funds generally cannot exceed tuition; outside awards may be coordinated up to Cost of Attendance per USC policy.
If there are no auto tiers, what matters most?
Rigor and grades, standout achievements, compelling essays, and fit with a USC school/major. For top competitive awards, leadership and impact are common signalers.
USC Merit Scholarships – https://admission.usc.edu/apply/scholarships/
USC Scholarship Guide & Policies – https://admission.usc.edu/scholarship-guide/
USC Deadlines – https://admission.usc.edu/apply/application-deadlines/
National Merit at USC – https://admission.usc.edu/national-merit-scholarships/
QuestBridge & STAMPS at USC – https://admission.usc.edu/apply/questbridge/
🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships
USC’s flagship scholarships are its most competitive, nationally recognized merit awards. These programs cover anywhere from half to full tuition and are reserved for a small percentage of top applicants. Students must apply by USC’s early scholarship deadlines (Nov 1 or Dec 1 depending on program) to be considered.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee Scholarship | Full tuition (8 semesters; 10 for Architecture) | First-year applicants; meet scholarship deadline | No | Yes | ~50–60 students; top-tier academics, leadership, service | Dec 1 |
| Presidential Scholarship | Half tuition (8 semesters) | First-year applicants; meet scholarship deadline | No | Yes | 300+ per class; strong academics, leadership, impact | Dec 1 |
| Dean’s Scholarship | Quarter tuition (8 semesters) | First-year applicants; meet scholarship deadline | No | Yes | ~150–170; broad excellence, strong applicant pool | Dec 1 |
| Mork Family Scholars | Full tuition + stipend (8 semesters) | Invitation only; exceptional admits | No | Yes | Tiny cohort; national leadership, innovation | Dec 1 |
| Stamps Scholars | Full tuition + enrichment $5K | Invitation only; selected by USC + Stamps Foundation | No | Yes | ~5–10 per year; national recognition, impact | Dec 1 |
Note: These are USC’s flagship scholarships. They are highly competitive and awarded to a small portion of admitted students each year. Only one flagship scholarship may be held; highest-value award supersedes all others.
Flagship Scholarship FAQ (Competitive Awards)
How do you apply for USC’s flagship scholarships?
Submit the Common App and USC Writing Supplement by Dec 1 (or Nov 1 for most BFA/arts). There’s no separate application—the process is automatic for all early applicants.
What makes them “competitive”?
Academic rigor, leadership, essays, and extracurricular impact. Trustee and Mork/Stamps are reserved for the most selective admits, while Presidential and Dean’s reach a somewhat broader group.
Are they renewable?
Yes, typically for up to 8 semesters (10 for B. Arch.), provided you remain in good standing and full-time enrollment.
Can flagship scholarships stack?
No—only the highest flagship award is applied. Additional outside/need-based aid may stack up to cost of attendance.
USC Merit Scholarships – https://admission.usc.edu/apply/scholarships/
USC Scholarship Guide – https://admission.usc.edu/scholarship-guide/
Application Deadlines – https://admission.usc.edu/apply/application-deadlines/
Mork Family and Stamps Scholars – https://ahf.usc.edu/scholars/
National Merit/QuestBridge – https://admission.usc.edu/apply/questbridge/
🎖️ Honors College
Unlike some universities, USC doesn’t have a single “Honors College.” Instead, it offers selective honors programs that let high-achieving students dive deeper into writing, research, and science. These programs come with smaller classes, faculty mentorship, and the kind of academic rigor that looks great for grad school or professional careers.
GPA near the top of their class, heavy AP/IB or honors coursework, strong writing skills, and active involvement in campus or community leadership.
Priority registration, small seminar-style courses, close faculty mentorship, enriched general education curriculum, and opportunities for research or thesis projects.
USC Honors Programs
| Program | Key Features | Application | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thematic Option (TO) | Liberal Arts honors curriculum with seminar-based discussion and intensive writing | Admitted students apply via USC portal after admission decision | Priority: Apr 18 Rolling: until May 1 (space available) |
| Freshman Science Honors (FSH) | Honors chemistry/bio coursework for science majors; advanced labs and research community | Eligible majors invited to apply after admission; online application in portal | Priority: Apr 15 Rolling: after May 1 if space |
USC Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Both Thematic Option and Freshman Science Honors require a dedicated application in your USC portal.
Does being in an honors program add time to your degree?
No — both programs satisfy Gen Ed and science requirements within the normal four-year plan.
Are there extra scholarships tied to honors?
No. Honors program membership is not directly tied to additional tuition scholarships, though some research/project grants may be available.
What are the deadlines?
Thematic Option: Apply by April 18 (priority); after May 1 (rolling if space)
Freshman Science Honors: Apply by April 15 (priority); after May 1 (waitlist if space remains)
Thematic Option Honors – https://dornsife.usc.edu/thematic-option/apply/
TO/Freshman Science Honors Deadlines – https://dornsife.usc.edu/freshman-science-honors/how-to-apply/
Dornsife Honors Programs – https://dornsife.usc.edu/admissions/honors-programs/
General Honors FAQs – https://dornsife.usc.edu/thematic-option/faq/
⭐ College Specialty
USC isn’t just another private university in Los Angeles — it’s a Carnegie R1 Research University with national name recognition. From Hollywood to Wall Street to Silicon Beach, USC programs feed directly into industries where Trojans carry serious influence. Families often find that choosing USC isn’t only about the scholarships — it’s about the professional doors those programs open.
USC’s film school is consistently ranked #1 nationally (Hollywood Reporter, 2025) and offers unmatched alumni pipelines into the entertainment industry.
- Marshall School of Business: Ranked among the Top 3 undergraduate business programs in the U.S. (Poets&Quants, 2025), with strong consulting and tech industry ties.
- Viterbi School of Engineering: Multiple engineering disciplines consistently in the Top 10 nationally (U.S. News, 2024), including computer science and aerospace.
- Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism: Recognized as a leader in digital media, PR, and journalism with direct access to LA media markets.
- Cinematic + Interactive Media: Known for innovation in gaming and interactive technology, ranked top in the U.S. for game design (Princeton Review, 2024).
📎 Official Links
- University of Southern California Homepage
- USC Thematic Option Honors Program
- USC Scholarships & Financial Aid