Students enrolled in the online MSW program can utilize loans and scholarships to fund their education. Loans are administered by the USC Financial Aid Office.
USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Scholarships
In addition to loan programs administered by the USC Financial Aid Office, the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work provides scholarship resources. Scholarships are awarded to incoming students based upon their application for admission, and the VAC Scholarship Application. Please note that all scholarships are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Continuing students will receive information about scholarship opportunities throughout their time in the program.
For questions about the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Scholarship Programs, please contact Scholarship Programs and Financial Aid. For the quickest response, please submit a web contact form.
City Year Scholarship
The City Year Scholarship is awarded to two incoming full-time students per year who have performed a year of service to underprivileged communities through the City Year—Give a Year program and demonstrate academic merit. Recipients are awarded $7,500 per semester for a total of $30,000. For more information, please visit the City Year website.
Yellow Ribbon Program
Students eligible for the Post-911 G.I. Bill who meet the specified criteria can earn tuition awards through a matched scholarship program with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Please note that all scholarships are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about receiving Yellow Ribbon or other VA Benefits, please visit the USC Office of Academic Records and Registrar.
University Scholarships and Fellowships
Many USC-affiliated organizations offer competitive scholarships to qualifying students who demonstrate merit, financial need, and campus and community involvement.
- Norman Topping Student Aid Fund
- USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association Scholarship
- USC Black Alumni Association Scholarship
- USC Lambda LGBT Alumni Association Scholarship
- USC Latino Alumni Association Scholarship
- Rockwell Dennis Hunt Scholastic Award
- Town and Gown Scholarships
- University Staff Club Graduate Scholarships
Professional Organization and Foundation Resources
This is a partial listing of scholarship funds available to social work and graduate-level students, some of which promote community building, social justice and other social work-related ideas.
Professional Organization and Foundation Resources
For general information about student loan repayment, to access loan repayment calculators, and to learn more about loan forgiveness or income-driven repayment plans, please visit the US Department of Education loan repayment information page.
Stipend Programs
Our workforce development and stipend programs offer MSW students the opportunity to specialize in an area of practice where there is a high need for qualified social workers, including geriatric social work, integrated and interprofessional behavioral health, primary care in medically underserved communities, public child welfare and public mental health.
Students receive a financial incentive in the form of a stipend that requires workforce development responsibilities during the MSW program and after graduation. The requirements, application process and amount of the stipend can vary based on the area of focus. Stipend recipients also benefit from specialized curriculum and placements. For more information, visit the Stipends page.
Additional Resources
Additionally, you should consult other financial aid sources through local libraries, online search engines, federal agencies, private foundations and organizations.