Tuition, Financial Aid, Scholarships
How much is tuition?
Tuition is currently $1,420 per unit, and the estimated total cost for a student in the MSW program will be between $82,000 and $86,000. Please visit our financial aid and tuition sections for more information.
If I don’t live in California, will I have to pay out-of-state tuition?
No, USC is a private institution, so there are no additional out-of-state tuition costs, and the program fees assessed for Virtual Academic Center students are the same no matter where you are located.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. The USC Financial Aid Office administers federal aid programs and provides information on private financing programs. Please read our overview of financial aid and visit the USC Financial Aid Office website for more detailed information about the financial aid application process.
Am I eligible for scholarships?
Yes, applicants are eligible for Virtual Academic Center scholarships when they submit their MSW application. Merit scholarships are awarded to full-time students with a 3.0 GPA or better. Visit the scholarship page.
Can I apply for stipends?
Currently, Virtual Academic Center students are not eligible for the CalSWEC Public Child Welfare, IUC, CalSWEC Mental Health or GSWEC stipends. These stipends are inextricably linked to the traditional academic year for the campus program and require certain extended placements for students in their foundation year. The stipends are accompanied by employment commitments, which in many cases are specific to Los Angeles County.
How much do loans typically cover?
The size of your financial aid package is based on your enrollment – whether you are full-time or part-time – and reflects your total cost of attendance. Through Federal Stafford loans, students who qualify may borrow up to a maximum of $20,500 per academic year. Students who qualify may apply for a Graduate Plus Loan to cover remaining tuition costs or costs associated with living expenses.
When should I apply for financial aid?
To ensure maximum financial aid eligibility, we strongly encourage you to apply for financial aid at the same time you apply for admission. This will ensure your financial aid package will be complete before the start of your term.
Click here to learn more about the MSW@USC.
