Tuition and Financial Aid
Enrolled students are charged tuition and fees each semester. Tuition charges can vary each semester based on the number of units you are enrolled in. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year and historically increase every year.
Admitted students will be required to pay a non-refundable $500 commitment deposit to secure their place in the program, which will be applied towards tuition.
Currently, tuition is $2,322 per unit for students enrolled in 1-14 units. For students enrolled in 15-18 units, the cost is a $34,823 flat unit rate per semester.
The estimated total tuition for the DSI program is approximately $97,524, not including fees.
DSI Tuition Chart - (9 semesters)
| Semester | Units | Estimated Tuition | Calculation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | $13,932 | 6 units x $2,322 unit rate |
| 2 | 6 | $13,932 | 6 units x $2,322 unit rate |
| 3 | 6 | $13,932 | 6 units x $2,322 unit rate |
| 4 | 6 | $13,932 | 6 units x $2,322 unit rate |
| 5 | 6 | $13,932 | 6 units x $2,322 unit rate |
| 6 | 6 | $13,932 | 6 units x $2,322 unit rate |
| 7 | 2 | $4,644 | 2 units x $2,322 unit rate |
| 8 | 2 | $4,644 | 2 units x $2,322 unit rate |
| 9 | 2 | $4,644 | 2 units x $2,322 unit rate |
| Totals | 42 | $97,524 | 42 units x $2,322 unit rate |
Fees
Mandatory fees do not include books or housing. Fees are subject to change at any time and may differ depending on the start date.
| Fees | Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Student Programming | $20 | $20 | N/A |
| Norman Topping Student Aid Fund | $11 | $11 | N/A |
| Total fees for online students | $31 | $31 | $0 |
A student health insurance fee may be applied to students enrolled in 6 or more units per semester. This fee can be waived for those who already have eligible coverage.
There is also a student health fee, which is only applied to those who opt-in, currently reside in California, and plan to use campus (or telehealth) services.
Upon registering for classes, the web registration system automatically enrolls students in Tuition Refund Insurance. Students who wish to change their Tuition Refund Insurance setting may do so in Web Registration by clicking the “Tuition Refund Insurance” tab and following the system prompts.
Financial Aid
DSI students are eligible to apply for certain types of funding. USC Financial Aid Office will provide you with the details of applying for financial aid, understanding your financial aid award and properly securing all of your loans. Please visit the USC Financial Aid website for detailed information regarding important dates and deadlines as well as downloadable forms to complete your financial aid application. Please note that FAFSA deadlines for students in on campus programs are not applicable to online students.
Federal student aid is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International candidates should explore funding options in their home countries. Many employers offer tuition benefits, including tuition reimbursement and low-cost loans. Based on each candidate’s country of residence, they may also have access to education loans through private lenders. For more information about federal financial aid, visit the USC Financial Aid website.
Scholarships
The Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work does not currently offer scholarships specific to DSI students. However, DSI students may apply for any USC scholarships. Please note that all scholarships are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the scholarships page to see what’s available.
Investing in Your Future
The Doctor of Social Innovation prepares professionals to lead innovation in an era of rapid technological and societal change. Graduates develop advanced capabilities in innovative thinking, human-centered design, systems and change leadership, ethical leadership, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to lead innovation across diverse organizations, cultures, and societies around the world.
These competencies position graduates to expand their leadership opportunities, strengthen organizational performance, and create lasting social impact throughout their careers.
For current tuition information and financial aid resources, please contact an admissions counselor. They can provide personalized guidance regarding tuition, financing options, and available resources to help you plan for your doctoral education.