Financial Aid FAQ

Undergraduate students may be eligible to use Financial Aid in summer. Check the Office of Financial Aid Summer Aid website. To ensure that aid is being used efficiently as possible, students are strongly advised to consult with the Office of Financial Aid as part of their summer planning.

Yes, financial aid—including Pell Grants, Cal Grants, loans, and work-study—can often be used during summer sessions. However:

  • You must be enrolled in eligible summer courses
  • Aid may be prorated based on enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time)
  • Summer Scholarship is available only to students who enroll full time over the summer (12 units or more)

The effect on your fall or spring aid depends on your enrollment plans and if you plan to be continuously enrolled to complete your program early. USC will try to provide you with the maximum amount of federal and state aid eligibility. Using summer financial aid may:

  • Reduce the remaining Pell Grant eligibility for an upcoming academic year
  • Reduce the remaining Cal Grant eligibility for an upcoming academic year
  • Impact loan limits, especially if you borrow the maximum annual amount early

Eligible undergraduate students taking 12 units over the summer will receive a Summer Scholarship equivalent to the cost of 2 units — a tuition savings of almost 17%. Full time enrollees with financial need may be eligible for additional support. Check the Office of Financial Aid’s Summer Aid website for further information.

You may still qualify for private loans or payment plans.

If you use your Cal Grant or Pell Grant during the summer while enrolled less than full-time:

  • Your award will be prorated based on your enrollment level (e.g. half-time or three-quarter time).
  • You may still receive aid, b ut the amount will be lower than the full-time award
  • The usage will count toward your annual and lifetime eligibility limits, even if the amount is reduced
  • For Cal Grant, summer usage may reduce the number of terms remaining in your award eligibility
  • For Pell Grant, summer disbursements may impact how much you can receive in fall and spring if you approach the 600% LEU cap

Dropping a class after the summer term begins may affect your financial aid eligibility. Key considerations include:

  • Enrollment status: if dropping a class changes your status from full-time to part-time, your aid may be recalculated or reduced
  • Return of funds: you may be required to repay a portion of your aid if you drop below the minimum required credits
  • Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): dropping classes could impact your SAP standing, which may affect future aid eligibility

Yes, TAB can be used towards Summer Term classes, as long as they do not exceed your maximum allowable units. Please check with USC Benefits and Perks to ensure your eligibility.

Have Additional Questions?

Contact the Financial Aid Office to understand how your specific summer enrollment plans will affect your summer aid disbursement and future aid eligibility.

Financial Aid Help and Contact