Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships
Tuition and costs for graduate students
Tuition is charged prior to the start of each semester (term) based on the number of units in which you enroll. Part-time graduate students must enroll in four to seven units and full-time graduate students must enroll in eight or more units. Graduate students must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for financial aid.
The estimate below is based on the 2024-2025 academic year for which the cost per unit of tuition is $2,354. This estimate covers master’s degree programs for the first year if enrolled full-time. The chart below reflects estimated tuition costs.
Three- or four-semester degree programs (fall semester start)
| Master’s Degree Program | Total Units | Units in first year | Estimated first year tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication Data Science (MS) | 32 | 16 | $37,664 |
| Communication Management (MCG) | 32 | 16 | $37,664 |
| Digital Social Media (MS) | 32 | 16 | $37,664 |
| Global Media and Communication (MA) (Second year at USC)** | 24 | 24 | $56,496 |
| Public Diplomacy (MPD) | 32 | 16 | $37,664 |
| Public Relations and Advertising (MA) | 36 | 16 | $37,664 |
10-month degree programs (summer semester start)***
| Master’s Program | Total Units | Estimated tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism (MS) | 36 | $83,864 |
| Specialized Journalism (MA) | 34 | $79,266 |
| Specialized Journalism (Arts and Culture) (MA) | 34 | $79,266 |
In addition to tuition, all students pay USC mandatory fees and individual costs associated with living in Los Angeles and attending graduate school (e.g. housing, meals, transportation, books and supplies, personal expenses, etc.). Cost will vary based on your lifestyle.
* All costs on this page depend on USC tuition rates and are subject to change without notice. No estimate may be considered a bill of expenses for USC. For assistance with your student account and billing information, please contact Student Financial Services.
** The first year of the Global Media and Communication (MA) degree program is completed at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Visit LSE’s website for first-year tuition costs.
*** The cost of summer term is based on the previous year’s cost per unit. For this example, the cost per unit reflects the 2023-2024 cost per unit.
Financial aid for graduate students
Only United States citizens and eligible non-citizens may receive federal need-based financial aid. For graduate students, loans and work-study are the only forms of need-based aid. To initiate the process, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at USC Office of Financial Aid.
Departmental scholarships for master’s degree applicants
Scholarship consideration is given to all master’s degree applicants (domestic and international) that submit a complete application for graduate admission. The same faculty admission committees that make admission decisions also make scholarship award decisions. Because master’s degree students do not teach undergraduates at USC Annenberg, Teaching Assistant (TA) positions are rarely offered. The number of departmental scholarships is limited, so many highly qualified admitted students do not receive USC Annenberg departmental scholarships. You are highly encouraged to seek USC scholarships and scholarships offered by foundations, government agencies, and corporations. Learn more at USC Scholarship Universe.
International graduate student costs
International students must demonstrate the financial ability to study and live at USC. USC Graduate Admission provides a checklist for international student applicants as well as detailed information about required financial documentation.
PhD funding
All doctoral students are fully funded for up to five years, contingent on satisfactory academic progress. Funding packages include up to 12 units of tuition per semester, payment of all required health care fees (access to USC health services as well as medical and dental insurance premiums), a monthly stipend totaling $40,500 annually, support for conference travel, and upon reaching candidacy, support for dissertation research. Since funding is provided, international students applying to the PhD in Communication do not submit financial documentation.
Doctoral students are funded in two ways:
- Fellowships are awarded in the first year of doctoral studies to allow you to concentrate on your studies and become involved in the research work of the faculty. No work assignments are given.
- Graduate Assistantships are assigned to doctoral students starting in the second year of the degree program. You will work as a Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant assigned to a class or research project.
Cost of attendance, financial aid and scholarships for undergraduate students
The USC estimated Cost of Attendance is used to determine your financial aid eligibility. It includes estimated amounts for standard expenses—including tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, meals and other living expenses for two semesters of study. Actual costs may differ. Additionally, estimated budgets for students in some majors may be higher because of special laboratory or studio supply fees, or other additional costs incurred by all students in the program. Tuition is charged at the same rate for both in-state and out-of-state residents.
Review the Estimated Cost of Attendance at USC Financial Aid.
Financial aid for undergraduate students
Admission at USC is need-blind, and USC has a long tradition of fully meeting the USC-determined financial need for undergraduate students who satisfy all federal, state and university eligibility requirements and meet all published deadlines.
Scholarships for undergraduate students
USC offers scholarships to help students pay for their education. Learn more at USC Undergraduate Admission here. USC Annenberg departmental scholarships are awarded as part of the USC merit scholarship award process. No additional application is required for consideration.
Current student scholarships
For current USC Annenberg students, see additional scholarship information here.