Annenberg Scholarships and Awards
Thanks to the support of generous donors, USC Annenberg offers a diverse array of student aid.* Applicants must be currently enrolled in a USC Annenberg major or degree program to be eligible for an award. Some awards are available year-round, while others are awarded annually. For those awards given annually, please check back early during the Spring semester to access the application.
*Students who are immediate or extended family members, dependents or other relatives of the donor(s) or selection committee members are not eligible to receive scholarships from these funds.
Student aid available year-round
Student Emergency Aid Fund
Eligibility criteria:
- Undergraduate or graduate
- All undergraduate majors and graduate degree programs
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Awards vary based upon each student’s unique circumstances
Average award: $250
Awards are distributed to students experiencing unforeseen circumstances and emergencies impacting their ability to pay tuition or cover everyday living expenses. These awards are not intended to cover full-tuition expenses, but rather serve as bridge funding to guarantee students’ continued enrollment at USC until other resources, such as scholarships or loans, become available. Students are encouraged to provide as much information in their application, as well as contact their academic adviser directly with questions about additional resources available to them.
Apply to the Student Emergency Aid Fund
Student Success Fund
Eligibility criteria:
- Undergraduate or graduate
- All undergraduate majors and graduate degree programs
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Awards vary based upon each student’s unique circumstances
Average award: $500
Awards will be distributed throughout the year via an application process to students pursuing extra- and co-curricular programs and opportunities not covered by tuition. Funding is available for, but not limited to:
- participation in experiential-learning programs offered by USC Annenberg, including Maymester
- expenses related to internships, such as travel and lodging
- non-tuition costs arising from study abroad
- registration, travel and lodging costs incurred for professional and career development conferences, seminars and workshops, and
- expenses related to student research and assignments, such as capstone projects, which might require additional travel and lodging costs beyond what is covered by tuition
Apply to the Student Success Fund
In the case of the Student Emergency Aid Fund and the Student Success Fund, please be aware that:
- Funding is not guaranteed.
- Awards will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the high volume of requests, students will only be notified if funds become available.
- Awards are given in the form of a one-time stipend.
- The Financial Aid Office is notified of all stipends. Stipends qualify as part of a student’s financial aid package. Therefore, a stipend might reduce other financial aid that you have been awarded, depending on the type of aid received. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Financial Aid Office with any questions regarding your financial aid package.
Kaleigh Finnie Memorial Endowment Fund
Eligibility criteria:
- Undergraduate or graduate
- All undergraduate majors and graduate degree programs
Awards available up to $3,000.
Established in memory of USC Annenberg student Kaleigh Finnie, this fund supports students whose work seeks to address the ongoing mental health crisis. This merit-based fund provides scholarships and awards to USC Annenberg undergraduate or graduate students who will leverage communication, journalism and/or public relations to contribute critical research and generate important conversations around mental health. Applicants will be asked to provide a description of their research interest or project relating to mental health. Applications will open on August 26 and are due Monday, September 23, 2024, at 12 p.m.
Apply to the Kaleigh Finnie Memorial Endowment Fund
School of Journalism continuing student scholarships
When School of Journalism continuing student scholarship applications are open, they will be listed here.
Undergraduate Public Relations Awards
When Undergraduate Public Relations Awards are open, they will be listed here.
School-wide Awards
Allan Malamud Scholarship
- Eligibility criteria: Need-based, merit-based
- Positive consideration will be given to students who are of Junior or Senior class standing and who demonstrate an interest in sports journalism.
- Award: 4 awards of $6,500 (2 graduate and 2 undergraduate students)
- The application deadline is May 21, 2025