Understanding the Tuition Costs at USC Marshall School of Business

The University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, located on the University Park campus in Los Angeles, California, is a prominent institution offering a range of MBA programs, including full-time, part-time, online, and Executive MBA options. A crucial factor for prospective students when considering an MBA is the cost of tuition and associated fees. This article breaks down the tuition structure, additional expenses, and financial aid opportunities available at USC Marshall School of Business.

Tuition and Fees for the MBA Program

Tuition for the first year at Marshall is $79,893 in 2024-2025 with an additional $6,836 in fees. The second-year cost amounts to $77,706, based on 2024-2025 tuition. These figures do not include cost of living expenses. For the full-time MBA program, tuition for the first year was $79,893 with $6,836 in fees, totaling $86,729 for the 2024-2025 academic year. The second-year cost was approximately $77,706, excluding living expenses.

To provide a more detailed breakdown, consider the estimated cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, housing, and living costs.

	Units	Tuition	Fees	Total
Fall 2025	13.5	$34,303.50	$4,148.96	$38,452.46
Spring 2026	12	$30,492	$2,943.96	$33,435.96
Summer 2026	6	$15,246	$2,057.00	$17,303.00
Total (Per Year)	30	$80,041.5	$9,149.92	$89,191.42

The remaining 31.5 units of core and elective courses will be taken across years two and three, with tuition estimated at $2,541 per unit as a base. It's important to factor in an estimated 3-5% per unit cost tuition increase per year to accurately budget for future years.

Other Fees

Besides tuition, students should also budget for mandatory and special fees. Mandatory fees include charges for the Student Health Center (for students enrolled in 6 or more units) and the Topping Student Aid Fund, among others. Special fees may include laboratory fees for certain courses, dissertation or thesis fees, and late fees for overdue payments. A one-time application fee is also required, which is $155 for the Marshall School of Business.

Additional Expenses

Beyond tuition and fees, students need to consider living expenses, which can vary significantly depending on lifestyle and choices. Los Angeles is a vibrant city but also has a relatively high cost of living. Estimates suggest budgeting around $8,000 for one semester or $16,000 for two semesters to cover these costs. These estimates include rent, which varies, and other personal expenses.

Detailed Breakdown of Potential Expenses

Rent: Varies based on accommodation type and location.
Housing and Dining: Housing and meal plan charges will appear on your student account. 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.
Books and Supplies: Costs for books and supplies also need to be factored in.
Transportation: Transportation costs should also be taken into account. A transportation fee is charged per semester.
Personal Expenses: Personal expenses depend on individual lifestyle and activities.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

USC Marshall offers several financial aid options to help students manage the cost of their MBA. All admitted applicants are considered for merit-based scholarship opportunities, with decisions communicated at the point of admission. The assessment criteria are the same as those used for admissions but at a more competitive level.

Merit-Based Fellowships

Marshall offers merit-based fellowships ranging from partial to full tuition for both domestic and international applicants. These fellowships are highly competitive and are awarded based on the applicant's overall profile.

Dean’s Scholarships

Second-year students who do not receive a fellowship upon admission are eligible for Dean’s Scholarships, which are awarded based on their accomplishments during the first year of the MBA program.

External Funding and Loans

To help students finance their education, Marshall offers several merit-based fellowships ranging from partial to full tuition for domestic and international applicants. Second-year students who do not receive a fellowship when admitted to the program are eligible for Dean’s Scholarships, which are awarded based on accomplishments during the first year of the MBA program.

Read also: Marshall University Careers

Tuition Reimbursement Deferment

USC offers a tuition reimbursement deferment program for students whose employers offer tuition reimbursement. To participate, students must provide a memo from their employer stating they will be reimbursed for tuition at the end of the term. A percentage of the tuition plus all fees must be paid, along with a non-refundable service charge.

Payment Plans

The USC Payment Plan, administered by Student Financial Services, enables students and parents to pay tuition, fees and university housing and meal plan charges in monthly installments rather than in a single payment at the beginning of each semester. Payments are made over a five-month period for each semester, beginning August 1 for the fall semester and January 1 for the spring semester, and may be made only by electronic transfer. A trimester plan is offered for a few programs. The student must be in good financial standing at the university.

Additional Financial Considerations

Tuition Refund Insurance

USC offers elective tuition refund insurance that provides coverage for tuition and mandatory fees (excluding health insurance) if a student has to leave the university due to a serious illness or accident. Students are automatically enrolled but can opt out until the end of the third week of the fall semester.

Consequences of Non-Payment

It is important to adhere to the payment deadlines to avoid late fees and finance charges. The university assesses a monthly finance charge on all past-due balances, and a returned check charge is applied for any returned checks or electronic fund transfers. Failure to meet financial obligations can lead to being barred from classes, withholding of diploma, suspension of university services, and assignment to a collection agency.

Understanding the Value of a USC Marshall MBA

While the cost of attending USC Marshall School of Business is significant, the value of the education and the career opportunities it provides are substantial. The average starting salary for Marshall MBA graduates is $144,442. Additionally, 80% of the USC Marshall MBA Class of 2024 reported obtaining employment within 3 months of graduation.

Career Opportunities

A Marshall MBA opens doors to various industries. Twenty-eight percent of the Class of 2024 went into consulting careers after graduating from Marshall. Technology was the second most popular industry, claiming 19% of graduates. Financial services followed at 13%, and 9% percent of the class each went into the media/entertainment/interactive gaming industries or CPG. drew 8% of graduates.

Academic Departments and Concentrations

The Marshall School of Business offers various departments and concentrations, including accounting, business analytics, consulting, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, general management, health care administration, human resources management, international business, leadership, marketing, management information systems, not-for-profit management, production/operations management, organizational behavior, portfolio management, real estate, sports business, supply chain management/logistics, quantitative analysis/statistics and operations research, tax, and technology.

Student Life and Extracurricular Activities

Students at Marshall have many opportunities to become involved in extracurricular activities. The full-time MBA program has over 40 student-run organizations that cover community, career, diversity, social and athletic interests.

Application Process and Requirements

Prospective students must submit an online application form, official academic transcripts, a required essay, and a résumé. The school also requires official GMAT or GRE score reports (waivers available) and, if applicable, a TOEFL or IELTS score report. Interviews are required for admission and are offered by invitation only.

Essay Tips

The MBA application includes essays that allow candidates to showcase their goals and how the Marshall MBA will help them achieve those goals. For example, Essay 1 asks: "What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how will an MBA from USC Marshall help you achieve those goals?"

Deadlines

Marshall’s full-time MBA program offers three rounds of application submission deadlines, which typically occur in October, January, and April. For instance, the Round 1 MBA application deadline is October 15, 2025, Round 2 is January 15, 2026, and Round 3 is April 15, 2026.

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