Continuing Students
How Much Will My Education Cost?
The USC estimated cost of attendance is a figure used to determine your financial aid eligibility. It includes average amounts for standard expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, meals and other living expenses. Estimated budgets are shown below.
Keep in mind that your actual costs may differ. Additionally, estimated budgets for students in some programs may be higher because of longer enrollment periods, special laboratory or studio supply fees, or other additional costs incurred by all students in the program. Tuition is charged at the same rate for both in-state and out-of-state residents.
Your estimated cost of attendance is available online at your page. In some cases we can increase your budget to take into account additional expenses. For more information, see Special Circumstances and Appeals.
2021 - 2022 Estimated Cost of Attendance:
The following are estimated costs for two semesters if you are living in university housing or in non-university housing, but not with parents or relatives (other than a spouse):
Master’s program
| Flat Rate: Taking 15 to 18 units per semester | Full-Time: Taking 8 to 14 units* per semester | Half-Time: Taking 4 to 7 units** per semester | Dissertation: Taking 2 units per semester | |
| Tuition | $59,260 | $39,900 | $23,940 | $7,980 |
| Mandatory Fees | $2,463 | $2,463 | $2,463 | $1,650 |
| Housing*** | $12,375 | $12,375 | $12,375 | $12,375 |
| Dining*** | $6,110 | $6,110 | $6,110 | $6,110 |
| Books/supplies | $1,200 | $900 | $600 | $300 |
| Personal/misc. | $2,316 | $2,316 | $2,316 | $2,316 |
| Transportation | $2,459 | $2,459 | $2,459 | $2,459 |
| Total | $86,183 | $66,523 | $50,263 | $33,190 |
*The tuition amount is based on 10 units of tuition. Students who take more units will be charged a per-unit amount. If you take more than 10 units and would like to request an increase to your estimated Cost of Attendance, contact the Financial Aid Office.
**The tuition amount is based on 6 units of tuition. Students who take more units will be charged a per-unit amount. If you take more than 6 units and would like to request an increase to your estimated Cost of Attendance, contact the Financial Aid Office.
***Room and board amounts are based on the assumption that students will not maintain the same standard of living they did while employed. This may mean cutting expenses by living with roommates, preparing more meals at home or making other lifestyle adjustments.
Doctoral program
| Flat Rate: Taking 15 to 18 units per semester | Full-Time: Taking 10 to 14 units* per semester | Full-Time: Taking 10 to 14 units** per semester | Half-Time: Taking 3 to 5 units** per semester | Dissertation: Taking 2 units per semester | |
| Tuition | $59,260 | $47,800 | $31,920 | $15,960 | $7,980 |
| Mandatory Fees | $2,525 | $2,525 | $2,525 | $1,712 | $1,712 |
| Housing*** | $12,375 | $12,375 | $12,375 | $12,375 | $12,375 |
| Dining*** | $6,110 | $6,110 | $6,110 | $6,110 | $6,110 |
| Books/supplies | $1,200 | $900 | $900 | $600 | $300 |
| Personal/misc. | $2,316 | $2,316 | $2,316 | $2,316 | $2,316 |
| Transportation | $2,459 | $2,459 | $2,459 | $2,459 | $2,459 |
| Total | $86,245 | $74,565 | $58,605 | $41,532 | $33,252 |
*The tuition amount is based on 12 units of tuition. Students who take more units will be charged a per-unit amount. If you take more than 12 units and would like to request an increase to your estimated Cost of Attendance, contact the Financial Aid Office.
**The tuition amount is based on 8 units of tuition. Students who take more units will be charged a per-unit amount. If you take more than 8 units and would like to request an increase to your estimated Cost of Attendance, contact the Financial Aid Office.
***The tuition amount is based on 4 units of tuition. Students who take more units will be charged a per-unit amount. If you take more than 4 units and would like to request an increase to your estimated Cost of Attendance, contact the Financial Aid Office.
****Room and board amounts are based on the assumption that students will not maintain the same standard of living they did while employed. This may mean cutting expenses by living with roommates, preparing more meals at home or making other lifestyle adjustments.
Payment Deadlines and Methods
For detailed information, visit the USC Student Financial Services website.
Investing in Graduate Education
Cost is often a crucial part of the decision-making process when students choose a college or university. The information contained in the Investing in Graduate Education booklet will help you navigate the financial aid process at USC.
