<p>I can see from the posts how many of you are just thrilled to have been accepted or anxiously awaiting for good news. But my question is: How in the heck does everyone PAY for it? Even though we manage to live on $80,000 a year and we have college funds, there's no way we have $50,000 a year. And it seems schools just want to give out loans for someone in our income range. So, again, I'm wondering if everyone who is ecstatic about getting into USC will realistically find it affordable? Do people just take out huge loans or perhaps if their income is lower, USC gives no-loan grants?</p>
<p>USC is known to give out very generous financial aid packages which consist of mostly grants</p>
<p>Some people are counting on Trustee or Presidential scholarships.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, if I make it, I will have to pay the full intuition because I did not qualify for any government financial aid =/ $200k over 4 years… ouch.</p>
<p>If you can’t pay for it and they don’t give enough scholarship, do NOT go there or send your child there. There are plenty of other good places to get an education!</p>
<p>My parents’ income range basically qualifies us for zilch need-based aid, and I don’t have a college fund or any money saved up due to unforeseen circumstances. All my colleges are pretty much in the $50k price range. If I get into USC (please oh please!) I’m just gonna do what I did with the others - plan to apply for as many merit-based scholarships as I can, do work-study, and cover the rest of the price with a loan. Pretty sure USC does student loans at 8% interest, which isn’t bad for this economy.</p>
<p>Also, USC is apparently great with financial aid packages (something like 70% of students are on aid of some kind), so they’re likely to help you out as best they can. (:</p>
<p>How “exceptional” do you have to be to receive merit based FA? Is it hard to receive?</p>
<p>I second Endicott’s message above and suggest that anyone reading this thread check out a Feb 2009 article in Forbes, entitled, “The Great College Hoax.” You can find it at: [The</a> Great College Hoax - Forbes.com](<a href=“http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2009/0202/060.html]The”>The Great College Hoax)</p>
<p>Hi 2Leashes! PLEASE wait to see your financial aid package before concluding that USC will not be giving you any need-based grants! The packages should be up by the end of the first week of April.</p>
<p>By the way, USC includes Stafford loans and/or work/study in all need-based packages. They have do not have a “no-loan” policy for any income level. Please see the FAQ for Financial aid thread for Stafford loan amounts year-by-year.</p>
<p>^^^Sound advice. We’ve all come this far. Waiting another week or so is the only way to make a truly informed choice.</p>