Tuition and Financial Aid

Developing a plan to pay for your education will help set you up for success while in the program and as a social work professional. This page contains an overview of tuition, financial aid options, and whom to contact for help. Contact Scholarship Programs and Financial Aid for more information.

Setting Expectations: Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work awards more than $3 million dollars annually in scholarships to incoming on-ground MSW students that they do not need to repay. More than 95% of incoming on-ground MSW students received a scholarship from the school. Scholarships do not cover the full cost of attendance; a majority of students use a combination of scholarships, loans, and personal savings to fund their education. Please note that funding is limited and scholarships are never guaranteed.

Tuition and Fees

Enrolled students are charged tuition and fees each semester. Tuition charges 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.

2021-2022 Academic Year Tuition Rates

For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition for one semester is:

$29,630 for students enrolled in 15-18 units
$1,995 per unit for students enrolled in 1-14 units

The estimated total tuition* for each program is below:

4 Semester Traditional MSW Program: $115,120
6 Semester MSW Program: $119,700
3 Semester Advanced Standing Program: $73,212

* based on 2021-2022 tuition rate

2021-2022 Tuition Chart

Traditional MSW Full-Time Tuition Chart (4 Semesters)

Semester	Units	Estimated Tuition**	Calculation
1	15	$29,630	Flat rate
2	17	$29,630	Flat rate
3	14	$27,930	14 x $1,995 per unit
4	14	$27,930	14 x $1,995 per unit
	Total Units: 60	$115,120

Traditional MSW Part-Time Tuition Chart (6 semesters)

Semester	Units	Estimated Tuition**	Calculation
1	6	$11,970	6 x $1,995 per unit rate for 14 units or less
2	6	$11,970	6 x $1,995 per unit rate for 14 units or less
3	6	$11,970	6 x $1,995 per unit rate for 14 units or less
4	14	$27,930	14 x $1,995 per unit rate for 14 units or less
5	14	$27,930	14 x $1,995 per unit rate for 14 units or less
6	14	$27,930	14 x $1,995 per unit rate for 14 units or less
	Total Units: 60	$119,700

Advanced Standing MSW Program Tuition Chart (3 Semesters)

Semester	Units	Estimated Tuition**	Calculation
1	9	$17,955	9 x $1,995 per unit rate for 14 units or less
2	14	$27,930	14 x $1,995 per unit rate for 14 units or less
3	14	$27,930	14 x $1,995 per unit rate for 14 units or less
	Total Units: 37	$73,212

** based on 2021-2022 tuition rate

Your cost of attendance will be determined by the USC Financial Aid Office and will reflect tuition, all mandatory fees and, in some cases, certain allowances for living expenses. Published rates for 2021 have not yet been announced and subject to change.
You must apply for federal loans and work study through the USC Financial Aid Office. You can apply for USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work scholarships and stipends through the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work scholarships and stipends will be determined separately from the USC FAO and may not be included on your initial financial aid award letter from the USC FAO.
All financial aid amounts are subject to change.

2021-2022 Mandatory Fees

Charges	Fall	Spring
Graduate New Student Fee	$55 _{one-time charge; first-year students}	N/A
Student Health Service	$427	$427
Student Programming	$40	$40
Norman Topping Student Aid Fund	$8	$8
Student Health Insurance	$753 _{waived with proof of health insurance}	$1,363
Total	$1,283.00	$1,838.00

Note: All units and fees are charged per semester. Mandatory fees do not include books or housing.

2022-2023 Academic Year Tuition Rates

For the 2022-2023 academic year, tuition for one semester is:

$2,045 per unit for students enrolled in 1-14 units

The estimated total tuition for each program is below:

4 Semester Traditional MSW Program: $85,890
7 Semester Program: $85, 890

2022-2023 Tuition Chart

Traditional MSW Full-Time Tuition Chart (4 Semesters)*

Semester	Units	Estimated Tuition*	Calculation
1	12	$24,540	12 x $2,045 per unit
2	12	$24,540	12 x $2,045 per unit
3	9	$18,405	9 x $2,045 per unit
4	9	$18,405	9 x $2,045 per unit
	Total Units: 42	$85,890

Part Time or FLEX MSW Program Tuition Chart (7 Semesters)*

Semester	Units	Estimated Tuition*	Calculation
1	6	$12,270	6 x $2,045 per unit rate
2	6	$12,270	6 x $2,045 per unit rate
3	6	$12,270	6 x $2,045 per unit rate
4	6	$12,270	6 x $2,045 per unit rate
5	6	$12,270	6 x $2,045 per unit rate
6	6	$12,270	6 x $2,045 per unit rate
7	6	$12,270	6 x $2,045 per unit rate
	Total Units: 42	$85,890

Your cost of attendance will be determined by the USC Financial Aid Office and will reflect tuition, all mandatory fees and, in some cases, certain allowances for living expenses. Published rates for 2021 have not yet been announced and subject to change.
You must apply for federal loans and work study through the USC Financial Aid Office. You can apply for USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work scholarships and stipends through the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work scholarships and stipends will be determined separately from the USC FAO and may not be included on your initial financial aid award letter from the USC FAO.
All financial aid amounts are subject to change.

Possible Funding Sources

Funding may be available from a wide variety of sources including Program Scholarships, Outside Assistance, Loans, Stipend Programs, Military Benefits and other methods.

Program Scholarships

MSW Merit Scholarship

Applicants are automatically considered for this scholarship based on the academic merit described in their admissions application. No additional application is required.
This scholarship award is extremely competitive and award amounts vary from $18,000 to $45,000 (divided evenly over the 4 semesters) for 4-semester students, up to $10,000 for 6-semester and Working Professional students, and up to $15,000 for Advanced Standing students.
Students selected for this scholarship will be notified shortly after receiving their admissions decision.

Endowed and Philanthropic Scholarships

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to offer several scholarships based on scholastic achievement, leadership qualities, and financial need. These scholarships are awarded to students who meet the specific criteria of each donor fund.
These scholarship awards are competitive and never guaranteed.
Award amounts vary by donor fund.
Admitted students will be notified when the Endowed and Philanthropic Scholarship Application becomes available in the Spring.
Please make sure you meet the guidelines prior to applying. As noted in the application, some scholarships are specific to the program (MSW, @MSW (VAC), MSN, and DSW.
Only students awarded will be notified, no denial emails will be sent.
The scholarship application may only be completed once per academic year.
All scholarship applications will stay on file for a full academic year and students may be awarded at any time throughout the academic year.
If you are selected for an award, we cannot guarantee you will receive it again in the future as these scholarships are subject to availability and donor requirements.
If selected, you will be expected to send the Donor a Thank You letter through our Scholarship Programs office.

For more information, contact:

Scholarship Programs Office
213-740-1726
Request a 1:1 appointment

Office of Admissions
213-740-2013

Field Stipend Scholarships

We believe strongly in direct theory to practice and in that vein, MSW students are required to complete over 1,000 hours of field placement. To further support our students in their endeavors, incoming students are eligible for field stipends for the semesters they are enrolled in field practicum.

No application needed
Applicants are reviewed during their admission file review
Selected students are notified via email a few weeks after their admission decision
Funds awarded only while the student is in field internship
Funds go directly to students monthly
Funds are to aid expenses related to academic success

We are honored to be one of the few schools able to award these types of stipends and we are grateful to offer another way to support our students on their academic journeys.

Outside Assistance

USC-Affiliated Scholarships

Many USC-affiliated organizations offer competitive scholarships. You should contact the administering organization with any questions you have about the scholarships. (Please check each for deadlines.)

Scholarship Search Engines

International Scholarship Search Engines

Professional Organizations and Foundations

Additionally, you should consult other financial aid sources through local libraries, online search engines, federal agencies, private foundations and organizations.

Loans & Stipend Programs

Loans
Often scholarships do not cover the full cost of attendance. The majority of incoming students are self-funded with Federal Stafford (up to $20,500 per year) and Graduate Plus loans. Loans need to be paid back and accrue interest over time. To be considered for federal financial aid, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

FAFSA

For more information, contact:
USC Financial Aid Office
213-740-4444

Stipend Programs

The workforce development and stipend programs at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work offer MSW students the opportunity to specialize in an area of practice where there is a high need for qualified social workers. Students can apply to a stipend program(s) from an area(s) of focus based on their interests. Stipend programs differ in length, funding, requirements, and competitive application processes. Read below for a brief description of each stipend program, including corresponding information sheets.

Stipend Program List, Applications and Contacts

Military Benefits & Other Methods

Military Benefits
Eligible veterans may be able to use their education benefits at USC. Additionally, veterans entitled to the 100% Post 9/11 benefit rate may be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program.

For more information, contact:

USC Veterans Certification Office
213-740-4619

Other Methods
USC accepts a variety of forms of payment, including: online payments from a checking account or credit card, wire transfers, payment plans, and employer reimbursement.

For more information, contact:
Student Financial Services
213-740-4077

Contact Us

There are several teams available to assist you with questions regarding how to pay for your degree. This directory will help you find the best person to address your concern.

Contact Information

USC Financial Aid Office
Web Contact Form
Phone: 213-740-4444

FAFSA
Federal Direct Unsubsidized (Stafford) Loan
Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
Coordination of financial aid to my student account

USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

Web Contact Form
Phone: 213-740-1726
Request a 1:1 appointment

Scholarship Programs Office

Students in the Virtual Academic Center
Continuing on-campus MSW students
- Check the status of my disbursement
- Question about a scholarship I have received
- Want to learn about additional funding options
- Want to know how to apply for scholarships
- Requesting emergency funding

USC Student Financial Services
Email Contacts
Phone: 213-740-4077

Question about a hold on my account
Pay my tuition bill
Want to setup a payment plan

USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
Stipend Programs

Contact the lead faculty member for the stipend program listed below each stipend. That person can provide information about program requirements, commitments, deadlines and events.