Partially funded

USC Merit Scholarships

University of Southern California, United States

Scholarship overview

USC Merit Scholarships are administered by the Office of Admission and awarded to undergraduates on academic excellence, leadership, service and talent. They are not based on financial need and are separate from need-based aid.

Awards range from a few thousand dollars up to full tuition. Over 1,000 admitted students earned scholarships of $10,000 per year or more in the most recent year. International applicants are eligible.

Award Information

  • Admitted first-year applicants who apply by the appropriate deadline.
  • No minimum eligibility requirements; selection is a competitive holistic review.
  • International applicants, including those living in the United States, are eligible.
  • Recipients are chosen without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or any other prohibited characteristic.
  • From a few thousand dollars up to full tuition.
  • No merit scholarship covers the full cost of attendance.
  • A scholarship valued at $20,000 per year goes to admitted students named National Merit Finalists who list USC as first choice with NMSC.
  • Early Decision and Early Action: November 1.
  • Regular Decision: January 10 for most majors; December 1 for Kaufman School of Dance, School of Dramatic Arts and Thornton School of Music.
  1. Submit the Common Application to USC by the deadline for your major.
  2. Complete the remaining application items; no separate scholarship application or financial aid application is needed.
  3. International applicants also submit the Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support.

Official links

How selection works

Awards result from the comprehensive, holistic review of each applicant's candidacy. Selection is highly competitive, and international applicants may not rely on an award to demonstrate ability to pay.

Other scholarships

View all scholarships →

Ready to start your study abroad journey?

Book a free consultation with our expert counsellors and take the first step towards your dream university.

Book a Consultation

Explore

Help & Support

Get In Touch

Email: [email protected]

Newsletter

Get the latest courses, scholarships and events in your inbox.

Copyrights © 2026 StudyMapped. All rights reserved.

Terms of Service · Privacy Policy · Refund Policy