Enrolled students are charged tuition and fees each semester. Tuition charges can vary each semester based on the number of units you are enrolled in. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year and historically increase every year.
Admitted students will be required to pay a non-refundable $500 commitment deposit to secure their place in the program, which will be applied towards tuition.
Currently, tuition is $2,256 per unit for students enrolled in 1-14 units. For students enrolled in 15-18 units, the cost is a $33,845 flat unit rate per semester.
The estimated total tuition for both the 4-semester and the 6-semester Online MSW program is $108,288.
MSW Full-Time Tuition Chart (4 semesters, 48 units)
| Semester | Units | Estimated Tuition | Calculation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | $33,840 | Flat unit rate of $33,840 |
| 2 | 15 | $33,840 | Flat unit rate of $33,840 |
| 3 | 9 | $20,304 | 9 units x $2,256 per unit |
| 4 | 9 | $20,304 | 9 units x $2,256 per unit |
| Total | 48 | $108,288 |
Fees
All units and fees are charged per semester. Mandatory fees do not include books or housing. Fees are subject to change at any time and may differ depending on start date.
| Fees | Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Student Programming | $20 | $20 | N/A |
| Norman Topping Student Aid Fund | $11 | $11 | N/A |
| Total fees for online students | $31 | $31 | $0 |
A student health insurance fee may be applied to students enrolled in 6 or more units per semester. This fee can be waived for those who already have eligible coverage.
There is also a student health fee, which is only applied to those who opt-in and plan to use campus (or telehealth) services.
Upon registering for classes, the web registration system automatically enrolls students in Tuition Refund Insurance. Students who wish to change their Tuition Refund Insurance setting may do so in Web Registration by clicking the “Tuition Refund Insurance” tab and following the system prompts.
Financing Your Education
Scholarships and Stipends
There are both internal and external scholarships, and stipends available to students.
You can apply for USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work scholarships and stipends through the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work scholarships and stipends will be determined separately from the USC Financial Aid Office (FAO) and may not be included on your initial financial aid award letter from the USC FAO.
Federal Student Loans
For those who are eligible, Federal Student Loan programs are available to cover the entire cost of the program including tuition, fees and program materials.
In order to begin the Financial Aid process, you may complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
USC Federal School Code: 001328
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. You will receive a USC ID once your program application has been submitted.
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. For more information about financial aid at USC, please visit the USC Financial Aid Office (FAO) website.
Private Loans and USC Payment Plans
In addition to Federal Financial Aid, USC participates in a variety of private loan programs for students and USC Payment Plans are available for eligible students.
Employer-Sponsored Tuition Reimbursement
Employers may offer tuition assistance to employees pursuing advanced degrees in their current fields. Check with your organization’s human resources department for more information.
Military & Veterans Benefits
USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is committed to our active military and veterans. In addition to supporting our veterans entitled to the Post 9/11 benefit, we offer a limited number of Yellow Ribbon scholarships.
For more information on education benefits for veterans, please visit the USC Veterans Certification Office.