^The OP’s parents will very likely end up paying USC the same amount.
On the FAFSA & CSS profile/need
access app, did you indicate that you were gonna live in the dorms or with your parents?
The cost of attendance changes based on varying living situations -but the institutional EFC does not.
If you live in the dorms, your aid should increase to the point where your parents would still pay the same EFC, since USC is supposed to meet your need. They consider living in the dorms “a need” for financial aid purposes, since most students are expected to come from far away places. It doesn’t matter whether your parents live next door, the school sets a standard housing budget if you don’t live w/parents, since for the majority it’s not a choice.
Could you copy/paste your award letter, to see which COA you have?