Understanding USC Gould School of Law Tuition Costs and Financial Aid

The University of Southern California's Gould School of Law, situated in Los Angeles, a dynamic world center and the country’s second-largest legal market, represents a significant investment for aspiring legal professionals. As a leading private research university, USC attracts students from diverse backgrounds seeking a legal studies education. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tuition costs, fees, and financial aid options available at USC Gould, aiming to offer prospective students a clear understanding of the financial aspects of pursuing a law degree.

Overview of USC Gould School of Law

The Gould School of Law at USC has an application deadline of April 1, with a full-time program application fee of $75. The student-faculty ratio is 5.8:1, fostering a close-knit academic environment. Understanding the financial implications of attending law school is crucial, and USC Gould offers various resources to help students navigate these costs.

Tuition and Mandatory Fees

For the academic year 2025-2026, full-time tuition (8-15 units) is $84,034, plus mandatory fees. Students enrolled in 1 to 7 units or during the summer term are assessed $3,250 per unit, in addition to mandatory fees. These figures represent the cost for a full academic year (fall and spring semesters).

Breakdown of Mandatory Fees:

USC Health Center Fee: $1,400
Graduate & International Programs Fee (Fall only): $175
Graduate Programming Fee: $80
Student Bar Association Fee: $120
Norman Topping Scholarship Fee: $22
USC Transportation Fee: $292
USC Health Insurance Plan: $3,522 (Can be waived with proof of coverage. Fall = $1,224; Spring/Summer = $2,298)
Tuition Refund Insurance (Optional): $230 (estimate)
Parking Permit (Optional): $1,170 (estimate)
USC Dental Insurance (Optional): $192 (fall only, but coverage is for the full year); $120 (for new spring admits only)

International students should note that most international health insurance plans are not accepted, and they may need to purchase the USC Health Insurance Plan.

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Beyond tuition and fees, students should budget for living expenses, books, and supplies. USC estimates an additional $32,158 for these costs during the academic year (August through May). The average cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses, is detailed below:

Tuition: $84,034 (flat rate 8-15 units per semester)
Mandatory Fees: $2,089
Books/Supplies: $2,200
Housing Rent: $14,400
Meals: $8,028
Personal/Misc: $2,754
Transportation: $2,862
Total: $116,367

International students must provide proof of funds in the amount of $75,899 for their I-20 documents for their F-1 student visa upon admission to the Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 class. This amount does not reflect the actual tuition and fees to attend Gould School of Law.

Tuition for the On-Campus MSL Program

For the On-Campus MSL program for the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition is offered on a per-unit basis. The approximate total cost for the 21-unit master’s degree is $68,250, in addition to the fees described below:

Tuition (Mandatory): $3,250 per unit
Tuition Refund Insurance (Optional): $115 (approx.) per semester, $35 (approx.) for summer
Gould School of Law Student Bar Association Fee (Mandatory): $60 per semester
Gould School of Law Graduate & International Programs Fee (Mandatory): $175 (Fall only)
Graduate Student Programming Fee (Mandatory): $40 per semester
Norman Topping Student Aid Fund (Mandatory): $11 per semester
Transportation Fee (Mandatory): $146 per semester
Student Health Fee (Mandatory): $700 per semester
Student Health Insurance Plan (Can be waived, if proof of coverage provided): $1,224 (Fall), $2,298 (Spring and Summer coverage)
Dental Insurance Plan (Optional): $192 (Fall only, but coverage is for the full year), $120 (new Spring students only)
Parking Permit (Optional): $585 (approx.) per semester

Financial Aid and Scholarships

USC Gould is committed to making legal education accessible through various financial aid options, including scholarships, loans, and payment plans.

Scholarships

All applicants are automatically considered for USC Gould’s merit-based scholarships. No separate application is required. Scholarship awards are based on merit and the overall strength of the application. USC Gould aims to create a diverse study body that reflects a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

USC Gould's increases in scholarship support have consistently outpaced increases in tuition in the past decade. Gould's financial aid has increased by 2:1 over the increase in tuition. Nearly all USC Gould students receive some form of scholarship assistance.

Read also: Tuition at UARK Law

A September 2022 article in the TaxProf blog ranked USC 5th among the top 50 law schools for the percentage of students receiving at least a 50% tuition scholarship.

The law school's need-blind admission process helps identify the best students, regardless of their ability to pay. USC Gould alumni have enthusiastically donated funds for the creation of a new Gould Need-based grant program. This helps increase access to the law school for students from all backgrounds:

10+% come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
10+% of the law student body are "first-gen," the first in their family to attend college

USC is among the leading private universities in its generous support for these groups of students.

When assessing law school value, the salary-to-debt ratio of graduates is a crucial metric.

Loans

The U.S. Department of Education offers the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, which has a fixed interest rate and enables graduate students to borrow up to the cost of attendance, less any other financial aid received. Federal Graduate PLUS Loans, also with a fixed interest rate, require a credit check for approval and can cover up to the cost of attendance, less other financial aid received. Private educational loans are also available.

To be considered for federal loans, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be enrolled in at least 4 units each semester. USC’s FAFSA code is 001328.

Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP)

USC Gould was among the first law schools in the nation to create a Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) in the 1980s. USC Gould’s LRAP remains among the most generous.

Payment Plans

The USC Payment Plan offers students and their approved guest users an option for paying tuition, fees, and other university charges in interest-free installments over the course of the term.

Military and Veteran Benefits

USC Gould participates in various military and veteran education benefits programs and the Yellow Ribbon Program. USC Gould offers an unlimited number of Yellow Ribbon awards to eligible candidates, which can provide funding for much of their legal studies education.

Understanding the Cost of Law School in California

When considering law schools in California, it’s important to understand the different types of institutions and their associated costs. There are unaccredited law schools, California State Bar Accredited law schools, and ABA-approved law schools. ABA-approved law schools offer graduates the eligibility to take the bar exam in any state.

While unaccredited and state-accredited law schools may appear more affordable initially, they may be more expensive in the long run due to lower bar pass rates and limited career counseling and job prospects. The opportunity cost in lost time and the expense of retaking the bar exam can outweigh the initial savings.

Comparing Public and Private Law School Tuition

While many assume private law school tuition is universally higher than public law school tuition, this is not always the case. As of November 2025, the cheapest public law school tuition for an ABA-approved program in California is UC Hastings, with $54,329 for residents and $63,015 for non-residents. The lowest private school tuition for an ABA-approved program is Western State College of Law, at $54,840 for full-time students.

Additional Expenses to Consider

Besides tuition, students should consider room and board, books, transportation, personal expenses, and health insurance. Many law schools do not offer on-campus housing, so students should research rent, utilities, and food prices in the surrounding areas. Books can cost at least $1,000 each school year, and transportation can be a significant expense in cities with limited public transportation.

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