Apply for Financial Aid

Below you will find instructions on how to apply for financial aid at USC. USC utilizes a system called FAST which stands for the Financial Aid Summary and Tasks system. This system provides students the ability to view financial aid document status, complete any University mandated financial aid forms, and view and accept your financial aid award.

To apply for Financial Aid:

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The USC School Code is 001328. Using your FSA ID, sign your FAFSA application electronically upon submission.
  2. Once you have completed your FAFSA, log into the Financial Aid Summary and Tasks (FAST) system on USC’s Financial Aid website to complete the Enrollment and Housing Form located in the Document Library. You may watch this short video for instructions on logging into your FAST account.
  3. List your anticipated enrollment – 9 units each term for the first two terms for those following the recommended course sequence.
  4. The Financial Aid Office will review your application and send an email notification to your USC email account asking you to review your financial aid award offer in the FAST system. Please Note: Financial Aid documents and awards can only be viewed through the FAST system.
  5. If you choose to borrow student loans through the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program or the Direct Graduate Plus loan programs, you will need to complete a Loan Request Statement for each program. These forms are located in the Document Library in FAST.
  1. Complete loan entrance counseling and a Master Promissory Note. Both are completed online at the Federal Student Aid website. If you apply for both Stafford and Direct Loans, you must complete loan entrance counseling and a Master Promissory Note for each program.
  2. Upload any additional documents in FAST needed to complete your financial aid application. This short video provides instructions for uploading documents to FAST.To view your Financial Aid application status, summary, and/or to accept your award, please watch this video for instructions.

The Financial Aid Student Contact Center is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST Monday through Friday at 213-740-4444 or by visiting Contact Us on the Financial Aid website. Any questions related to the status of your financial aid application should be directed to the center.

If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to us at Student Success at 855-487-3504 or email us.