So I Got Into USC, but How Do I Afford It?

<p>Hey guys, I got the acceptance letter and got real excited. But I'm a Canadian, so does this mean that I'm not applicable for finacial aid? (I realize the USC website says that int'l students aren't given need-based aid, but c'mon, Canada's basically the 51st state).</p>

<p>And then the next option is merit-based aid, but it seems that those selected for scholarships were notified in February... aren't there any merit awards that have a later notification date? If not, then what are my options? There is a $35 000 sticker price.</p>

<p>I want to go to USC. But what can I do to afford it without being chained with debt for the rest of my life?</p>

<p>Congrats on your acceptance, Redwall. As far as your question, it depends on the school's policy. My son's school treats Canadian citizens like US ones, but not all do. You need to research USC's stance (ideally before you applied, but definitely now.) I'm kinda surprised this question didn't come up for you while you were actually applying for the school and the aid. As far as later merit awards, again, that's something to research at the USC site, or at this point, perhaps make a call to admissions and FA offices to ask them directly.</p>

<p>There were other scholarships available from USC, but you had to apply for them already. But def post on the USC thread, maybe someone will have some options for you.
and congrats! hope it works out.</p>

<p>Uh yeah. Good question. I have the same problem.</p>

<p>Online it says with room and board and everything else factored in, you'll be looking at at least 50K a year. </p>

<p>Right now I really wish money grew on trees.</p>

<p>Congrats on getting into USC. As you already know USC specifically states:</p>

<p>***The university does not provide application fee waivers to international students nor are they eligible for federal or university need-based financial aid from the USC Financial Aid Office. </p>

<p>***</p>

<p>unless OP can snag one of their merit scholarships (some student will be notified in april), it looks as if they are going to have to write a big check to USC or have a good plan B.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/sg/entering_undergrad_meritbased/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/sg/entering_undergrad_meritbased/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>I'm not sure exactly how I feel about US Federal Financial Aid going to foreign nationals. Sorry, I like Canadians just fine. Virtually all I have met are cool people. </p>

<p>But....Say I want to come up to Canada for some new plastic surgery, or a hip replacement, or Lasik so I don't have to wear contacts or glasses anymore. Whats the chances of my driving up and getting these procedures done for free using the cool socialized Canadian Federally Sponsored Healthcare???</p>

<p>Thats what I thought. Sorry for the sarcasm. Sometimes I can't resist.</p>

<p>It is very interesting that many top US schools do offer need-based and merit based aid to Canadians, though I have never seen the Canadian schools offer anything to an American, even Americans who attend school in Canada cannot qualify for provincial scholarships.</p>

<p>I have actually seen great offers of merit aid from USC and need based aid from Ivys to Canadian kids of friends.</p>

<p>My son thought about the University of Calgary but it appeared there was no aid for US citizens and it was crossed off the list due to cost.</p>