Student costs are rising at USC, with tuition increasing by 4.8% to $73,260 for the upcoming academic year, with other expected costs rising as well, the university announced on its web page.
Tuition was $69,904 for the 2024-25 academic year.
Overall costs for undergraduates not living with their parents during the upcoming academic year were estimated at $99,139, up from $95,225 for the current year.
Total cost estimates include housing, meals, books and supplies, transportation, assorted fees and “personal and miscellaneous.”
The school’s meal plan is going up from $7,660 to $8,028, housing is increasing from $12,271 to $12,879, and fees will increase from $1,743 to $1,902. However, book and supply costs will drop from $1,200 to $650, and annual transportation costs are dropping from $441 to $414.
The university provided the following statement to City News Service:
“To adjust for rising costs across all of higher education and to support our commitment to providing high-quality education and ensuring student success, the Board of Trustees has approved a 4.8% tuition increase for the 2025-2026 academic year. … Tuition is the largest source of the university’s academic operating budget; it helps cover the costs of teaching, student services, facilities, and administrative support. That includes everything from career counseling and academic advising to new course development, technology, the Department of Public Safety and Fire Safety & Emergency Planning.
“USC’s undergraduate financial aid pool increases at the same rate as the tuition rate increase and is supplemented by individual philanthropy. In an effort to reduce essential out of pocket costs for students, the university is launching a new Digital Course Materials program, offering required course materials online for a flat fee, saving students approximately 80% on book costs.”