<p>Should one expect good FA from USC?</p>
<p>Yes. Generous and consistent, both on the merit and need-based sides. Many are surprised to find that a well above-average candidate can get a better deal at a top tier private like USC than their home-state public flagship. Of course, many average candidates (for that school) pay full sticker price in order for that to happen.</p>
<p>In my experience, it really depends. I’d suggest searching the forum for past posts on this topic. Although on the whole people are happy, there are definitely instances in which students are dissatisfied with the aid given.</p>
<p>I found a thread from a few months back that could possibly be helpful:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-southern-california/487819-anyone-get-lot-financial-aid-usc-3.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-southern-california/487819-anyone-get-lot-financial-aid-usc-3.html</a></p>
<p>USC does meet 100% of USC determined aid, however as someone said previously, I suggest you take a “expect for the worst, but hope for the best” attitude with financial aid from USC. There is a great possibility you will be happy with your financial aid. </p>
<p>There is still a definite possibility that USC (for whatever reason–home equity, savings, the specifics I’m not really clear on) will not determine, and therefore not reward, you with what you may feel to be adequate aid.</p>
<p>In summary, probably yes, but I wouldn’t bet my life on it.</p>
<p>I dunno about other people but last year and this year I’m not paying any tuition thanks to grants.</p>
<p>Does that help?</p>
<p>Really depends on your EFC though.</p>
<p>I was really disappointed in the lack of any financial aid unless you consider an unsubsidized Stafford Loan “financial aid.” Not even work study! </p>
<p>I readily admit that I am upper middle class, but a $210000 tuition bill is really hard to swallow and ultimately, and to my great consternation, my daughter will end up borrowing to pay for most of that. This is what keeps me up at night.</p>
<p>Did we plan and save? Yes. Close to a full years tuition. But I also paid for 12 years of private school that cost a few dollars too. I could have sent her to public school but I dont think she would be attending SC and she wouldn’t be the confident young woman with a clear identity of what she is all about either. </p>
<p>I dont blame SC as much as I blame the federal government for making student loans so easy so that colleges have little incentive to keep the price of tuition in check.</p>
<p>As a parent, my guess is colleges have students with low (or lower) family finances which make them more likely to receive some financial aid. I am also not so sure that it is easy for students to get loans today given the banking crisis. It is sure to be a difficult year for some with declining house value, low interest rates, declining value of savings, etc. etc.</p>