Scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work awards $1million in scholarships annually. Approximately 65% of these awards go to incoming on-ground MSW students.
Program Scholarships
Both the MSW Merit Scholarship and the endowed and philanthropic scholarships are very competitive and awarded based on applications.
MSW Merit Scholarship
Award: For 2024-2025, students may be awarded up to approximately $12,500.
- Once admitted, students will receive an email from the Admissions Office with the application for Merit Scholarships offered by the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.
- Because of the competitiveness of the award, we recommend you answer the application thoroughly.
- These are one-year (two-semester) awards.
- Students will have the opportunity to apply each year they are in the program.
- Students selected for this scholarship will be notified shortly after receiving their admissions decision.
Endowed and Philanthropic Scholarships
Award: Amount varies by donor fund.
Because of our generous 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.
Please note: These scholarship awards are competitive and never guaranteed.
- 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.
Have questions?
Scholarship Programs Office: 213-740-1726 Office of Admissions: 213-740-2013
External Scholarship Sources
So many organizations issue scholarships that it can be hard to keep track. These resources can help you find other external scholarships to apply for. You should also consult other financial aid sources through local libraries, online search engines, federal agencies, private foundations and organizations.
Professional Organizations and Foundations
- USC Awards and Fellowships Database
- American Association of University Women
- Council on Social Work Education
- Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
- Immigrants Rising
- Giva Scholarship
- Go Grad General Scholarships Guide
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
- Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (Maldef)
- National Association of Social Workers Foundation
- National Indian Education Association
- Point Foundation
- Sallie Mae College Answer
International Scholarship Search Engines
If your scholarship award doesn't cover the full amount of your tuition, we can help you find other ways to afford this life-changing experience.