2023-2024 Estimated Cost of Attendance

The USC estimated Cost of Attendance is an average figure used to determine your financial aid eligibility. It includes average amounts for standard expenses—including tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, board and other living expenses for two semesters of study.

Keep in mind that your actual costs may differ. Additionally, estimated budgets for students in some majors may be higher because of special laboratory or studio supply fees, or other additional costs incurred by all students in the program. Tuition is charged at the same rate for both in-state and out-of-state residents.

You may find additional information about the Estimated Cost of Attendance and the financial aid process and opportunities on the Office of Financial Aid's website.

Tuition and Fees: 2023-2024 Academic Year

New Graduate Students

The numbers below represent an approximate cost of tuition and fees for the first year of each graduate program. Each program requires a specific unit count. Therefore, the costs between programs vary.

The 2023-2024 tuition cost for the School of Cinematic Arts is $2386.00 per unit. USC's estimated cost for mandatory fees for 2023-2024 is $2700 for full or half-time students.

The numbers below provide a guideline for prospective students to develop their budget to cover the cost of attendance at SCA. Although we have done our best to provide the most accurate numbers possible, it is an estimated cost and may vary depending on class or university fees.

For more information visit the USC Tuition and Fees website.

Tuition and Fees

First-Year Graduate Students*
2023 - 2024 Academic Year (Fall & Spring Semesters)

In addition to tuition and fees, students should plan for additional monies to cover their living expenses, i.e. room and board, supplies (including production/project expenses), books, transportation, and miscellaneous costs.

These numbers vary widely depending on each student's living situation and lifestyle. The university has calculated that graduate students can spend as much as $24,160 on living expenses per year. Many SCA students spend much less than what the university budgets.

For more information about the university calculations visit the Graduate Financial Aid website.
International students will be required to provide proof of the ability to pay tuition and living expenses for the first academic year prior to admission. For more information visit the Financial Documentation website.

*Tuition costs for the first-year may vary based on elective courses taken. Tuition costs for the second and third years may vary based on the number of units the program requires and the student elects to take. To find out more to learn about program requirements for the second and third years, see the USC Catalogue.