<p>I just got off the phone with an FA rep from USC and he told me that I am eligible for 9 semesters of financial aid.</p>
<p>But on the internet I someone said "The maximum amounts you can receive in financial aid are as follows: Federal Pell Grant: 600% (equivalent to 12 full-time semesters, or 6 full-time years)"</p>
<p>which one is correct?</p>
<p>At USC, students receiving financial aid are eligible for 9 semesters of financial aid, assuming you meet SAP (satisfactory academic progress) throughout.
<a href=“http://catalogue.usc.edu/files/2013/05/Undergraduate.pdf[/url]”>http://catalogue.usc.edu/files/2013/05/Undergraduate.pdf</a></p>
<p>Semesters are defined as 12 semester units or more. Semesters in which a student attempts 6 to 11 units are considered 1/2, or .5 of a SAP semester. Semesters where the student attempts 0 to 5 units are not counted as a SAP semester.</p>
<p>You can’t compare the rules that the feds have for their (small amounts of) aid with the large amount of aid that USC gives. USC has decided the it will only give you up to 9 semesters of aid. The feds can’t force USC to keep giving you their own money.</p>
<p>USC can’t stop you from continuing to receive federal grants or loans that you are eligible for, but all institutional grants will stop after 9 semesters.</p>
<p>Wait I am so confused now!
So do they mean that I can get FA for 9 semesters at USC or 9 semesters TOTAL (including the CC that I have attended)???</p>
<p>Since you’re a transfer student, you need to ask USC. If you’re a Calif resident, then you only get Cal Grants for 4 semesters after going to a CC. </p>
<p>I’m guessing that USC only gives aid to CC transfers for 4-5 semesters, but check.</p>
<p>One wonders if any of these kids look at the links helpfully posted…</p>
<p>HeartyBowl, if you follow the link posted in post #2, you will find a section entitled, “Maximum Time-Frame Allowance.” Based on another post of yours where you mention that your program requires 135 units rather than the standard 128 of most USC majors, I think you may find a glimmer of hope in the second paragraph of that section. Yours is not a five-year program, however, so ONE additional semester will probably be the most you can squeeze. </p>
<p>You are correct, if you have availed yourself of financial aid prior to attending USC, those semesters count as having received financial aid.</p>
<p>You are able to get 12 terms of PELL which comes from the federal government. What USC or any other school will give you is entirely up to the school. Most schools will guarantee 4 years, but after that, it can be an issue. My son had "hoboes’ living with him one semester—kids who did not graduate in time and the school was done with their financial aid, so they had to borrow and scrimp to get that degree. </p>
<p>Also, yes, if you’ve already used some PELL before going ot USC, it counts against those 12 terms. </p>
<p>For those kids in programs that require extra credits or involve some Master’s work, it’s important to understand how finanicial aid will work in those cases. You can run out of aid.</p>
<p>Ok so we’ve established that the federal grants/loans are separate from USC grants.</p>
<p>It’s just kind of dumb how usc will only give grants for 9 semesters including ones at CC. It’s not like they payed for my FA at my CC.</p>
<p>Even though it was the state and federal taxpayers who paid your FA at community college, USC wants their students to make rapid progress toward their degree objective both for the benefit of the student and the benefit of USC - on-time graduation rates are an important part of most rankings systems and, few will argue, moving up in rankings has been a USC major goal over the last two decades.</p>
<p>One could argue that it is just kind of dumb for USC to give grants to anyone who is ungrateful for their generosity. </p>
<p>Their financial aid policies have been carefully designed to maximize their institutional resources - I can guarantee you that they have spent far more time researching and thinking about this than you have. </p>
<p>Education is expensive. They are offering you free money to obtain a good one. </p>
<p>I would encourage you to learn to say, “Thank you” without any name-calling.</p>
<p>We have also established that the OP did not read the responses well in that he/she did not note that there may be access to an extra semester - and I posted it on two of the OP’s threads… It seems he/she would rather rant than do a tiny bit of research.</p>
<p>No, alamemom, I did note what you posted. Thanks for the link.</p>
<p>The FA office emailed me back. Here is the response in case any future transfers have the same question.</p>
<p>"Your eligibility is being monitored for financial aid as a whole, not just university grants.</p>
<p>Students are expected to graduate in 4.5 years whether they begin at USC or not. However, we understand that some courses may not transfer and/or you may need extra time to complete your course work. If need be, you may appeal later on in your academic career, if you become ineligible for aid. "</p>
<p>That sounds promising. Remember that USC encourages double majors and adding minors, and doing so would very likely qualify you for additional time. I would recommend signing up for a minimum of 16 units/semester and 18 units/semester if you think you can manage it as evidence you are making a good effort to make degree progress. Also keep the Academic Achievement Award in mind (allows 20 units/semester for GPAs of 3.75 and up for those with double majors or major/minor combos) after your first semester if you are able to achieve the GPA.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>*Note: I have found USC financial aid to be flexible and easy with which to work.</p>