Library and Campus Resources for USC Students in Financial Need

USC provides multiple resources for students with financial needs. You will find links to various resources and USC as well as other important centers, services and opportunities at the University and in the community.

Examples of financial assistance that do not require repayment include: financial aid,  grants and need-based grants, merit scholarship, and Federal Work Study.  Other types of aid are loans and require repayment. 

 The Office of Financial Aid provides information for undergraduate and graduate students.

Financial Aid for Undergraduate students.  See tabs on the right for specific information to suit your situation.

• Grants: This site briefly describes type of grants, eligibility and information for timely renewal. University Grant, Cal Grants A & B (California Residents), California Dream Act Cal Grant an  Pell Grant. this site has videos on how Financial Aid Works and national eligibility information.
• Special circumstances and appeals works with students whose financial situations have drastically shifted. If you believe you have gone through a situation that might require an adjustment to your financial aid package, please contact: 213-740-4444.

Financial Aid for Graduates & Professional Programs: this site will provide information on various types of aid available, tips, FAQ's, etc.

• The Financial Aid office can also provide information on Financial Literacy through iGrad which provides individualized money management tools and resources to help you succeed in a world of personal finance in creative ways. iGrad services include tools to keep track of your Direct Loans, money management advice and tools and loan help by phone to help ou with your borrowing and repayment decisions.Includes videos for applying for Direct (Stafford Loans), Grad PLUS Loans and  Veteran Education Benefits at USC  and more! 

The USC Online Scholarship system lists multiple funding opportunities, such as the Norman Topping Student Aid Fund, which is funded by the USC Student body. 

The Dornsife  College of Letters, Arts and Sciences offers several opportunities for assistance:

• Trojan Guardian Scholars (TGS)  assists  former or current foster youth, or students who at any point have been wards of the court, emancipated minors, homeless or in kinship care. TGS assists students navigate and obtaining various forms, but does not provide direct scholarship.   The TGS program is a working partnership between the University of Southern California, private foundations, public agencies, private citizens, and other regional institutions of higher education
• First-Generation at USC - Resources and opportunities at USC to help First-Gen students succeed. Includes information on first-generation faculty.  
• Fellowships and Awards - For undergraduate students in Dornsife.
• Fisher Fellows Program enables first generation students with financial needs to participate in various opportunities such as studying abroad; students are encouraged to participate in community programs.
• Pathways for Career Success for First Generation College Students (SSEM 200): this is a 2-unit, sophomore seminar course that exposes students to the connection between potential careers and academic programs in the liberal arts and sciences. Students are provided with an extensive support group.
• USC Dornsife and the Center for Religion and Civic Culture - Murray Center provides financial workshop, e.g. How to Start Wealth Building Workshop at Your Church.  The USC Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement’s mission is to equip faith leaders to transform underserved communities. The Murray Center provides leaders in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods in Southern California with capacity building and consultative services, so that faith communities can become full partners in social change.

USC Rossier School of Education  - Scholarships, Fellowships and Grants.  Both general and program-specific scholarships are available. While students may be automatically considered for some USC scholarships upon application, some scholarships require their own separate application. A list of Rossier, USC and external  resources is provided with descriptions, deadlines and amounts.

ROTC & Veteran Benefits: ROTC and U.S. military veterans are encouraged to apply for all types of financial aid for which they may be eligible. This site explains how any GI benefits you may receive will be coordinated with your financial aid.

InCharge: Free information for understanding debt and debt relief, including student loans.  Access to financial fitness workshops (under Understanding Debt tab.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - FDIC's Money Smart: Enhance your financial skills and improve your banking relationships. See Training & Events Calendar (largely for Training the Trainer).

Collective Remake: Art, Business, Education, News, People, and Recycling for Sustainability is a unique social enterprise—in Los Angeles County—designed to support the creation of worker-owned businesses and other kinds of cooperatives with people who have been incarcerated and other individuals who are marginalized socially and economically due to race, sex, class, gender identity, age or ability.

Kiva - International non-profit providing micro-loans for up to $10,000   These are loans that must be paid back, and can be used for education. The applicant must prove credit worthiness by inviting friends and family to loan to you, or fundraise. You have up to 36 months to repay the loan.