Understanding USC's Master of Social Work Tuition Costs

Pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Southern California (USC) is a significant investment in your future. Understanding the tuition costs, fees, and financial aid options is crucial for prospective students. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the expenses associated with the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work's MSW program, assisting you in planning your finances effectively.

Estimated Cost of Attendance

The estimated cost of attendance at USC represents the average expenses for one academic year and is used to determine financial aid eligibility. However, remember that your actual costs may vary. USC acknowledges that students' financial situations differ and offers the possibility of budget increases to accommodate additional expenses in certain cases.

To get an idea of the estimated cost of attendance for graduate and professional programs, you can use the tools provided by USC. The tuition amount is based on an estimated number of units for each enrollment level. For most master’s degree students, full-time enrollment is based on 10 units, and half-time enrollment is based on 4 units. Enrollment levels differ by program. If your actual tuition exceeds the amount in the estimated cost of attendance, you can request a budget increase.

It’s important to note that housing and food amounts are based on the assumption that students will not maintain the same standard of living they did while employed.

Tuition and Fees

Enrolled students are charged tuition and fees each semester, with tuition charges varying based on the number of units you are enrolled in. Currently, tuition is $2,256 per unit for students enrolled in 1-14 units. All units and fees are charged per semester.

In addition to tuition, several mandatory fees apply. These fees do not include books or housing. A one-time $175 MPI Tech Fee is required for insurance and software use, with $80 allocated for malpractice insurance and $95 for InPlace software use.

A student health insurance fee may be applied to students enrolled in 6 or more units per semester. Upon registering for classes, the web registration system automatically enrolls students in Tuition Refund Insurance.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year and historically increase annually. Cost of attendance is determined by the USC Financial Aid Office and will reflect tuition, all mandatory fees and, in some cases, certain allowances for living expenses.

ISW MSW Full-Time Tuition Chart (4 semesters, 48 units) for 2025-2026 Academic Year

All estimates below are based on 2025-2026 tuition rates. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated tuition for the ISW MSW full-time program:

Semester 1 (15 units): \$33,840 (Flat unit rate)
Semester 2 (15 units): \$33,840 (Flat unit rate)
Semester 3 (9 units): \$20,304 (9 units x \$2,256 per unit)
Semester 4 (9 units): \$20,304 (9 units x \$2,256 per unit)
Total (48 units): \$108,298

Admitted students are required to pay a nonrefundable $500 commitment deposit to secure their place in the program, which will be applied toward tuition.

Mandatory Fees for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

Here's a breakdown of the mandatory fees for both on-campus and online programs:

Fee	Fall 2025 (On-Campus)	Spring 2026 (On-Campus)	Fall 2025 (Online)	Spring 2026 (Online)
Graduate New Student Fee	\$55	N/A	\$55	N/A
Student Health Fee	\$700	\$700	\$700	\$700
Student Programming Fee	\$40	\$40	\$20	\$20
Norman Topping Student Aid Fund	\$11	\$11	\$11	\$11
Student Health Insurance	\$1,224	\$2,298	\$2,296	\$4,441
Student Transportation	\$146	\$146	N/A	N/A
Total	\$2,176	\$3,195	\$3,027	\$5,172

Note: Student Health Insurance is waived with proof of health insurance and is only billed if enrolled in 6 or more units per semester. The Student Transportation Fee only applies to students attending classes on-campus. Online (VAC) students will not be charged this fee unless they register to attend any classes on-campus.

A one-time $175 MPI Tech Fee is required for insurance and software use. $80 of the fee is for malpractice insurance and $95 is for InPlace software use. This fee will be itemized in the first semester tuition.

For more detailed information on the fees applied for on-campus and online programs, visit the university's Student Health and Insurance site.

Additional Fees

Several other fees may apply depending on your circumstances:

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Student Health Center Fee: For students enrolled in 6 or more units.
Student Health Insurance Fee: For students who have not obtained an insurance waiver.
Norman H. Digital Course Material Fees: This program allows all undergraduate students access to required textbooks and course materials.
Deferment Service Charge: Thirty-day deferments are granted for up to $2,000 of the tuition balance.
Late Fees: To avoid late fees, you must register and have your tuition, fees, housing, dining and all other charges paid or deferred by 5:00 PM PT on the settlement deadline. If you fail to register and settle your account, you will be assessed late fees each week in accordance with the following schedule.
Housing and Meal Plan Charges: Housing rent charges for undergraduate buildings and all meal plans are billed once per semester. Rent for most graduate and family buildings is billed on a monthly basis. All utilities are included in rent charges. All housing assessments must be paid at the time of billing or they will be considered past due and may be subject to finance charges and/or late fees.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

USC offers various financial aid options to help students finance their education. You can apply for USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work scholarships and stipends through the school.

You may submit your FAFSA prior to completing your program application. However, in order to apply for Financial Aid at USC, you will need to receive a USC ID. Once you have completed your FAFSA and applied for Financial Aid at USC, the USC Financial Aid Office will determine your financial need and will explain what federal loans you are eligible to receive.

Additional Financial Assistance

Employer Tuition Assistance: Employers may offer tuition assistance to employees pursuing advanced degrees in their current fields.
Military and Veterans Benefits: USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is committed to our active military and veterans.
Third-Party Billings: Students with pre-authorization for third-party billings from entities recognized by the university will have their agency credits posted on their student accounts. They will be required to pay any amounts not covered by the agency. Approved agencies may include local, state and federal governments, private corporations, foreign governments and the United States Armed Services. Sponsored students must meet the terms and conditions agreed upon by the university and the agency.

Tuition Refund Insurance

Elective insurance that provides full coverage for tuition and mandatory fees (excluding health insurance) is available if you suffer a serious illness or accident that makes it necessary to leave the university before the semester is completed. Students are enrolled automatically at the time they register for classes but may opt out until the end of the third week of the fall semester. Read more about Tuition Refund Insurance.

This video will show you how to opt in to or out of Tuition Refund Insurance, which protects your investment in USC tuition and may be purchased for a small fee during fall, spring and summer terms. It provides a refund of tuition and fees to a student who must withdraw from all classes due to an illness or accidental injury. USC has contracted with A.W.G.

Important Tax Information (Form 1098-T)

USC is required to provide students and the I.R.S. with form 1098-T each year. This form reports general information about enrollment status, qualified charges and financial aid posted to a student’s account during the calendar year just ended. In addition to the 1098-T, USC provides students with supplemental information that includes a breakdown of all financial activity by category. The 1098-T assists students and families in determining their eligibility for the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning tax credits.

Setting Expectations

More than 65% of incoming on-campus MSW students received a scholarship from the school to help defray the cost of tuition. Scholarships do not cover the full cost of attendance; a majority of students use a combination of scholarships, loans, and personal savings to fund their education.

Planning for Success

Developing a plan to pay for your education will help set you up for success while in the program and as a social work professional.

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