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Tuition and Financial Aid

Master of Studies in Law (MSL) - On-Campus

Estimated Tuition and Fees

Tuition for the On-Campus MSL for the 2024-2025 academic year is offered on a per unit basis. The approximate total cost for the 21-unit master’s degree is $65,121, in addition to the fees described below.
Fall Spring Summer
Tuition (Mandatory) $3,101 per unit $3,101 per unit $3,101 per unit
Tuition Refund Insurance (Optional) $115 (approx.) $115 (approx.) $35 (approx.)
Gould School of Law Student Bar Association Fee (Mandatory) $60 $60 N/A
Gould School of Law Graduate & International Programs Fee (Mandatory) $175 N/A N/A
Graduate Student Programming Fee (Mandatory) $40 $40 N/A
Norman Topping Student Aid Fund (Mandatory) $11 $11 N/A
Transportation Fee (Mandatory) $117 $117 N/A
Student Health Fee (Mandatory) $650 $650 TBD
Student Health Insurance Plan (Can be waived, if proof of coverage provided) $1,063 $1,977 (spring and summer coverage) N/A
Dental Insurance Plan (Optional) $136 (fall only, but coverage is for full year) $85 (new spring students only) N/A
Parking Permit (Optional) $536 (approx.) $536 (approx.) TBD
Note:
  • If admitted, a commitment deposit is required to reserve your seat in our program. The deposit will be credited to your first-semester tuition and fees.
  • USC Gould students pay the same tuition rate regardless of their state of residence. Tuition and fees are set annually by the USC Board of Trustees, and in recent years, tuition has increased by 3 percent to 5 percent each year starting with the fall semester.
  • Master’s degree students are considered full-time when enrolled for 8 or more units. Otherwise, master’s degree students are considered half-time when enrolled for at least 4 units.
  • Additional tuition charges may incur for students who enroll in more than 21 units or if enrollment encompasses more than one academic year due the annual increase in tuition.
  • All costs listed on this page are subject to change without notice. No estimate may be considered a bill of expenses for USC.

Estimated Cost of Attendance

The estimated cost of attendance for one academic year is based on average amounts for necessary expenses and used to determine to your financial aid eligibility. Please keep in mind that actual costs may differ based on individual circumstances.
Tuition $65,121
Mandatory Fees $1,931
Housing $17,055
Dining $10,935
Books and Supplies $1,350
Transportation $4,143
Personal and Miscellaneous $3,933
Total $104,468

Paying for Your Education

A legal studies education is both a valuable investment in your future and a significant financial commitment. It provides specialized knowledge and skills and will expand your networks which can lead to fulfilling career opportunities. Understanding program costs and the available financial support is highly encouraged as you plan for your education. Below, you can find general information about various methods of financing your education to help you maximize your return on investment.
USC Gould Scholarships toggle arrow icon

All applicants are automatically considered for USC Gould’s generous merit-based scholarships. No applications are required for scholarship consideration. Scholarship offer notifications are sent at the time of admission in a separate email.

Scholarship awards are based on merit and the overall strength of the application. We are committed to creating a diverse study body that reflects a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich the educational experience and in-class discourse for all students. We aim to admit and support students who demonstrate potential for success academically, personally, and professionally.

Outside Scholarships toggle arrow icon

USC Gould highly encourages students to seek USC scholarships and financial support offered by foundations, government agencies, and corporations. It’s never too early to begin looking for “free money” for graduate school. Please explore the following resources:

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The following student loan programs are available to USC Gould students:

Graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 per year through this loan program offered by the U.S. Department of Education. The Direct Unsubsidized Loan has a fixed interest rate. Interest begins to accrue upon disbursement.

This U.S. Department of Education student loan program enables graduate students to borrow up to the cost of attendance, less any other financial aid received. Federal Graduate PLUS Loans have a fixed interest rate, and a credit check is required for approval.  Interest begins to accrue upon disbursement.

Like the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, these private educational loans can also cover up to the cost of attendance, less other financial aid received. One major difference is that they can have a variable interest rate determined by the lender upon review of your credit history.

*To be considered for federal loans, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be enrolled in at least 4 units each semester. USC’s FAFSA code is 001328. After completing FAFSA, admitted applicants will receive electronic notification of next steps to determine eligibility for student loans.

Student Financial Services toggle arrow icon

USC’s Student Financial Services offers students a variety of ways to pay their bills, including but not limited to:

The USC Payment Plan offers students and their approved guest users an option for paying tuition, fees, and other university charges in interest-free installments over the course of the term. Students will make a down payment and three monthly installments per term.

Students who are sponsored by a university-approved company or government agency may be eligible to have all or a portion of their bills invoiced directly to the sponsoring agency. Charges paid by sponsoring agencies vary. Some pay for tuition and mandatory fees only, while others also pay expenses such as housing and dining. Most agencies do not pay for health insurance, tuition refund insurance, parking, or similar fees. It is the student’s responsibility to pay any amount not deferred by the settlement deadline and to continue to monitor their student account for changes.

Some employers provide tuition reimbursement at the end of each term rather than paying for tuition upfront. Once registered, students may be eligible to defer payment of up to 90% of their tuition if their employer reimburses tuition at the end of the term.

Military and Veteran Education Benefits toggle arrow icon

USC supports military-connected students in their legal studies through a variety of U.S. military and veteran education benefits programs. Additionally, USC Gould is proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. We offer an unlimited number of Yellow Ribbon awards to eligible candidates, which can provide funding for much of their legal studies education. To learn more about military and veteran benefits, please contact the USC Veterans Certification Office.

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