USC Financial Aid and Managing the Cost of Attendance - Graduate

Tuition is charged prior to the start of each semester (term) based on the number of units in which you enroll. Part-time graduate students must enroll in four to seven units and full-time graduate students must enroll in eight or more units. Graduate students must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for financial aid. 

The estimate below is based on the 2025-2026 academic year for which the cost per unit of tuition for Academy classes is $2,467. Please note that some courses may require additional fees.  

  In addition to tuition, all on-site students pay USC mandatory fees and individual costs associated with living in Los Angeles and attending graduate school (e.g. housing, meals, transportation, books and supplies, personal expenses, etc.). Cost will vary based on your lifestyle. For mandatory and special fees, and additional potential costs, please consult the Tuition and Fees for the relevant term on the USC Schedule of Classes. 

* All costs on this page depend on USC tuition rates. All costs listed on this page are subject to change without notice. No estimate may be considered a bill of expenses for USC. For assistance with your student account and billing information, please contact Student Financial Services. 

Only United States citizens and eligible non-citizens may receive federal need-based financial aid. For graduate students, loans and work study are the only forms of need-based aid. To initiate the process, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at USC Office of Financial Aid. 

International students enrolled in the on-site program must demonstrate the ability to study and live at USC. USC Graduate Admission provides a checklist for international student applicants as well as detailed information about required financial documentation. 

* Please note that international students enrolled in the online MSIDBT program are not eligible for an F-1 visa. In order to be eligible to apply for a student visa, you need to be admitted into the on-campus master’s program.  