Apply Now for 2024

Fall 2024 On-Campus MSW Application Main Deadline: April 1, 2024
Summer 2024 Online MSW and MSN Application Deadline: March 12, 2024
Summer 2024 DSW Application Deadline: March 19, 2024

Piggy bank on books

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.

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2023-2024 Academic Year Tuition Rates

For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition for one semester is:

  • $2,137 per unit for students enrolled in 1-14 units
  • $31,902 flat unit rate for students enrolled in 15-18 units

The estimated total tuition for each program is below:

  • 4 Semester ISW MSW Program: $89,754
  • 7 Semester ISW MSW Program: $89,754

* Based on 2023-2024 tuition rates. Rates are subject to change at any time. *

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2023-2024 Tuition Chart

ISW MSW Full-Time Tuition Chart (4 Semesters, 42 Units)*

Semester

Units

Estimated Tuition

Calculation

112$25,64412 x $2,137 per unit 
212$25.64412 x $2,137 per unit 
39$19,2339 x $2,137 per unit 
49$19,2339 x $2,137 per unit 
 Total Units: 42$89,754 


Part Time or FLEX MSW Program Tuition Chart (7 Semesters, 42 Units)*

Semester

Units

Estimated Tuition

Calculation

16$12,8226 x $2,137 per unit rate 
26$12,8226 x $2,137 per unit rate
36$12,8226 x $2,137 per unit rate
46$12,8226 x $2,137 per unit rate
56$12,8226 x $2,137 per unit rate
 
66$12,8226 x $2,137 per unit rate
 
76$12,8226 x $2,137 per unit rate
 
 Total Units: 42$89,754 

* based on 2023-2024 tuition rate 

 

ISW MSW Full-Time Tuition Chart (4 Semesters, 48 Units)*

Semester

Units

Estimated Tuition

Calculation

115$31,90215 units at $31,02 flat unit rate 
215$31,90215 units at $31,02 flat unit rate 
39$19,2339 x $2,137 per unit 
49$19,2339 x $2,137 per unit 
 Total Units: 48$102,270 


Part Time or FLEX MSW Program Tuition Chart (8 Semesters, 48 Units)*

Semester

Units

Estimated Tuition

Calculation

16$12,8226 x $2,137 per unit rate 
26$12,8226 x $2,137 per unit rate
36$12,8226 x $2,137 per unit rate
46$12,8226 x $2,137 per unit rate
56$12,8226 x $2,137 per unit rate
 
66$12,8226 x $2,137 per unit rate
 
76$12,8226 x $2,137 per unit rate
 
86$12,8226 x $2,137 per unit rate
 Total Units: 48$102,576 

* based on 2023-2024 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. 
  • 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.
  • Please note that any stipends added to a financial aid package may have to be paid back to the Financial Aid Office depending on the student's cost of attendance at the time the stipend is received.
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2023-2024 Mandatory Fees
ChargesFallSpring
Graduate New Student Fee$55
one-time charge; first-year students
 N/A
Student Health Service$600 $600
Student Programming$80 $80
Norman Topping Student Aid Fund$22 $22
Student Health Insurance$948
waived with proof of health insurance
 $1,765
Student Transportation$93 $93
Total$1,798$2,560


Note: All units and fees are charged per semester. Mandatory fees do not include books or housing. Fees are subject to change at any time. Fees may differ depending on start date. 

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.

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Program Scholarships

MSW Merit Scholarship

  • 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.
  • Our MSW scholarships are very competitive and are determined based on information provided on the application, so please answer thoroughly. These are one year (two semester) awards. Students will have the opportunity to apply each year they are in the program. For 2023-2024, students may be awarded up to approximately $10,000.
  • 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

Office of Admissions
213-740-2013

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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.

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.

Please note that any federal funds (loans, stipends, scholarships, work study, etc.) that get added to a student’s financial aid package through the Financial Aid Office will be added to their overall cost of attendance budget, which cannot be exceeded per federal guidelines. Students loans may be reduced to include certain sources of funding such as stipends. This may cause students to have to pay back stipend funds depending on the student’s financial aid package at the time the stipend is applied. For further information about this process, please reach out to the Financial Aid Office at 213-740-4444.

Stipend Program List, Applications and Contacts

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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.

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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

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.