Applying for financial aid does not have to be difficult. Your USC financial aid application can be completed with the submission of two required documents. 

Required

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  Forms are available online every year after January 1
  USC FAFSA Code: 001328
  Due Date: Typically the first week of May
  
  Note: The USC FAO does not require a completed tax return in order to apply for financial aid nor do you need your completed tax return to complete your FAFSA. It will suffice to provide an accurate estimate of the previous year’s earnings for the purpose of completing your FAFSA. 

• USC Supplemental Form for Graduate Students
  Due Date: Typically the first week of May
  
  Enrollment Note:  It is imperative that your anticipated enrollment is indicated correctly on your Supplemental Form.  Please reference the units below for your applicable status.

Program	Year 1 Units	Year 2 Units*	Year 3 Units*	Year 4 Units*
2-Year	Fall = 14 / Spring =17	Fall = 16 / Spring =16	N/A	N/A
3-Year	Fall = 6 / Spring = 6	Fall = 8 / Spring = 11	Fall = 16 / Spring = 16	N/A
4-Year	Fall = 6 / Spring = 6	Fall = 8 / Spring = 11	Fall = 10 / Spring = 10	Fall = 6 / Spring = 6

*Enrollment in MSW summer school courses can alter subsequent fall and spring enrollment. 

If Applicable

• Income & Expense Declaration Form, Student
  Submit this form to the USC FAO if you will be reducing your hours at work or resigning from your employment in order to attend school.
  Due Date: No later than the last week in July

All USC forms must be downloaded, completed and submitted to the USC FAO. To view and manage your document submission and receipt, please utilize the USC FAO website’s My Financial Aid & Documents.

In order to be considered for maximum aid including Federal Perkins Loan and Federal Work Study awards, it is imperative that you apply for financial aid by the identified deadlines, regardless of your admission status.

The USC FAO will not create a financial aid package for you until you have been formally admitted into the university.  Graduate student financial aid packages typically are mailed in April.