Admission
- TUITION AND FEES
- ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE 2023-2024
- SPECIAL CIRc*msTANCES
- STUDENT VISAS (ASPID)
- NIH T90 TRAINING GRANT
- FINANCIAL AID (CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS)
- SCHOLARSHIPS
- USC Debt Management Information
Tuition and Fees
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC is committed to helping students identify the resources they need to obtain a dental education. Ostrow considers the financing of a student’s education to be a commitment involving the student, his or her family (including parents and/or spouse) and the school. Financial aid at USC is awarded on the basis of determined financial need and the availability of funds. Aid may be in the form of a scholarship or grant, loans and/or student employment.
Tuition and mandatory fees are payable the first week of each trimester (September, January, May) and is the same for resident and non-resident students. A large percentage of USC dental students receive financial assistance. Students may apply for a variety of financial aid based on need and ability. Financial need is usually met through a combination of state and federal loans, private loans, personal resources and family support.
The preceding budget represents estimates of expenses which will be used as a guide in evaluating a student’s financial need and also in the distribution of financial aid. Dental, extra medical costs, car payments, debts, charge accounts, spouse’s education and child care cost are not figured into these budgets. Estimated standard budgets are based on a single person, living off-campus (Not living on campus or in University owned housing.) Amounts will vary depending on individual lifestyles.
Estimated Cost of Attendance 2024-2025
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Cost of Attendance 2024-2025
Direct Costs* | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tuition | $119,313 | $119,313 | $119,313 | $79,542 |
Student Health Center Fee | $1,300 | $1,300 | $1,300 | $1,300 |
Mandatory Health Insurance | $3,040 | $3,040 | $3,040 | $3,040 |
Grad Student Programming Fee | $80 | $80 | $80 | $80 |
Topping Student Aid Fund | $22 | $22 | $22 | $22 |
Graduate Orientation Fee | $75 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
ASDA/CDA Membership | $102 | $102 | $102 | $102 |
Transportation Fees | $351 | $351 | $351 | $234 |
Dental Disability Insurance | $53 | $53 | $53 | $53 |
Instrument Management System Fee | $5,607 | $5,607 | $5,607 | $3,738 |
Dental Loupes & Light | $1,500 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Dental Equipment/Textbooks | $9,154 | $4,263 | $0 | $0 |
Scrubs Fee | $420 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Dental Gown Usage Fee | $165 | $165 | $165 | $110 |
*All costs are mandatory | ||||
Total School Costs | $141,182 | $134,296 | $130,033 | $88,221 |
Allowances for Indirect Costs | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Room and Board | $26,461 | $26,461 | $26,461 | $26,461 |
Transportation | $3,553 | $3,553 | $3,553 | $3,553 |
Personal/Misc. | $3,496 | $3,496 | $3,496 | $3,496 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance | $174,692 | $167,806 | $163,543 | $121,731 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance 2024-2025
Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists
Cost of Attendance 2024-2025
Direct Costs* | Year 1 | Year 2 |
---|---|---|
Tuition | $119,313 | $119,313 |
Student Health Center Fee | $1,300 | $1,300 |
Mandatory Health Insurance | $3,040 | $3,040 |
Student Programming Fee | $80 | $80 |
Topping Student Aid Fund | $22 | $22 |
Orientation Fee | $75 | $0 |
ASDA/CDA Fees | $102 | $102 |
Transportation Fee | $351 | $351 |
Disability insurance | $53 | $53 |
Instrument Management System Fee | $5,607 | $5,607 |
Dental Equipment/Textbooks | $11,884 | $0 |
Scrubs Fee | $420 | $0 |
Dental Gown Usage Fee | $165 | $165 |
*All costs are mandatory | ||
Total School Costs | $142,412 | $130,033 |
Allowances for Indirect Costs | Year 1 | Year 2 |
---|---|---|
Room and Board | $26,461 | $26,461 |
Transportation | $3,553 | $3,553 |
Personal/Misc | $3,496 | $3,496 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance | $175,922 | $163,543 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance 2024-2025
Craniofacial Biology PhD Program
DESCRIPTION
For accepted PhD students, tuition, health and dental benefits are fully covered by either the university or the Ostrow School of Dentistry in addition to a stipend or living allowance. The stipend is based on the acceptable cost of living in Los Angeles and may vary from year to year as dictated by the University. In some cases, through various internal scholarships, fellowships or government sponsored allowances, this stipend may be above the university minimum.
For MS students, there is currently no default mechanism to cover program costs. Applicants are required to show proof that they can assume financial responsibility of all costs associated with the program.
To help in your planning, you may wish to review USC’s Financial Aid for Graduates and Professionals website or contact Sergio Estavillo in the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Office of Financial Aid at (213) 740-2841 or estavill@usc.edu.
POST-GRADUATE EDUCATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Endodontics
STIPEND
This program does not provide a stipend.
Cost of Attendance 2023-2024
Direct Costs* | Year 1 | Year 2 |
---|---|---|
Tuition | $114,963 | $114,963 |
Instrument Management System Fee | $3,052 | $2,803 |
Instruments/Textbooks | $21,306 | $0 |
Lab Fee | $6,504 | $6,504 |
Health Insurance | $2,702 | $2,702 |
Student Health Center Fee | $1,200 | $1,200 |
Dental Gown Usage Fee | $165 | $165 |
Disability Insurance | $53 | $53 |
*All costs are mandatory | ||
Total School Costs | $149,945 | $128,390 |
Allowances for Indirect Costs | Year 1 | Year 2 |
---|---|---|
Room and Board | $26,040 | $26,040 |
Transportation | $3,504 | $3,504 |
Personal/Misc | $3,328 | $3,328 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance | $182,817 | $161,262 |
General Practice
Stipend
Stipend amount: $56,830
Benefits package: Determined by department
Cost of Attendance GPR 2023-2024
Direct Costs* | |
---|---|
Tuition | $0 |
Health Insurance | $2,702 |
Student Health Center Fee | $1,200 |
Disability Insurance | $53 |
*All costs are mandatory | |
Total Direct Costs | $3,955 |
Allowances for Indirect Costs | |
---|---|
Room and Board | $26,040 |
Transportation | $3,504 |
Personal/Misc | $3,328 |
Total Indirect Costs | $32,872 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance | $36,827 |
*= Fall and Spring fees only. Summer fees to be determined.
Advanced Operative and Adhesive Surgery
STIPEND
This program does not provide a stipend.
U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents are eligible to apply for financial aid. For more information, please visit Graduate & Professional Prospective Students-USC Financial Aid.
Cost of Attendance 2023-2024
Direct Costs* | Year 1 | Year 2 |
---|---|---|
Tuition | $65,217 | $65,217 |
Instruments/Textbooks | $10,620 | $0 |
Health Insurance | $2,702 | $2,702 |
Student Health Center Fee | $1,200 | $1,200 |
Disability Insurance | $53 | $53 |
Dental Gown Usage Fee | $165 | $165 |
IMS Fee | $3,052 | $2,613 |
*All costs are mandatory | ||
Total Direct Costs | $83,009 | $71,950 |
Allowances for Indirect Costs | Year 1 | Year 2 |
---|---|---|
Room and Board | $26,040 | $26,040 |
Transportation | $3,504 | $3,504 |
Personal/Misc | $3,328 | $3,328 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance | $115,881 | $104,822 |
*= Fall and Spring fees only. Summer fees to be determined.
Students are required to have an intraoral camera, computer and magnifying optical lens.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
STIPEND
Residents receive a monthly stipend during training.
Cost of Attendance 2023-2024
Direct Costs* | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tuition | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Health Insurance | $2,702 | $2,702 | $2,702 | $2,702 |
Student Health Center Fee | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
Disability insurance | $53 | $53 | $53 | $53 |
*All costs are mandatory | ||||
Total Direct Costs | $3,955 | $3,955 | $3,955 | $3,955 |
Indirect Costs | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Room and Board | $26,040 | $26,040 | $26,040 | $26,040 |
Transportation | $3,504 | $3,504 | $3,504 | $3,504 |
Personal/Misc | $3,328 | $3,328 | $3,328 | $3,328 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance | $36,827 | $36,827 | $36,827 | $36,827 |
*=Fall and Spring fees only. Summer to be determined.
Orofacial Pain
STIPEND
The program does not provide a stipend.
COST OF ATTENDANCE 2024-2025
The program’s tuition is waived.
FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS (MANDATORY FEES — SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Year 1: $7,055
Year 2: $5,515
Orthodontics
STIPEND
This program does not provide a stipend.
Cost of Attendance 2023-2024
Direct Costs* | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Tuition | $114,963 | $114,963 | $76,642 |
Instrument Management System Fee | $1,158 | $1,158 | $772 |
Dental Equipment | Please contact your department. | ||
Health Insurance | $2,702 | $2,702 | $2,702 |
Student Health Center Fee | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
Disability Insurance | $53 | $53 | $53 |
*All costs are mandatory | |||
Total School Costs | $120,076 | $120,076 | $81,369 |
Allowances for Indirect Costs | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Room and Board | $26,040 | $26,040 | $26,040 |
Transportation | $3,504 | $3,504 | $3,504 |
Personal/Misc | $3,328 | $3,328 | $3,328 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance | $152,948 | $152,948 | $114,241 |
Pediatric Dentistry
STIPEND
A stipend is available after the first year of the program.
Cost of Attendance 2023-2024
Direct Costs* | Year 1 | Year 2 |
---|---|---|
Tuition | $95,803 | $0 |
Instrument Management System Fee | $2,613 | $0 |
Health Insurance | $2,702 | $2,702 |
Student Health Center Fee | $1,200 | $1,200 |
Dental Gown Usage Fee | $165 | $0 |
Disability insurance | $53 | $53 |
*All costs are mandatory | ||
Total School Costs | $102,536 | $3,955 |
Allowances for Indirect Costs | Year 1 | Year 2 |
---|---|---|
Room and Board | $26,040 | $26,040 |
Transportation | $3,504 | $3,504 |
Personal/Misc | $3,328 | $3,328 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance | $135,408 | $36,827 |
Periodontics
STIPEND
This program does not provide a stipend.
Cost of Attendance 2023-2024
Direct Costs* | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Tuition | $114,963 | $114,963 | $95,803 |
Instrument Management System Fee | $2,803 | $2,803 | $968 |
Dental Equipment | Please contact your department. | ||
Gown Usage Fee | $165 | $165 | $165 |
Health Insurance | $2,702 | $2,702 | $2,702 |
Student Health Center Fee | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
Disability Insurance | $53 | $53 | $53 |
*All costs are mandatory | |||
Total School Costs | $121,886 | $121,886 | $100,891 |
Allowances for Indirect Costs | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Room and Board | $26,040 | $26,040 | $26,040 |
Transportation | $3,504 | $3,504 | $3,504 |
Personal/Misc | $3,328 | $3,328 | $3,328 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance | $154,758 | $154,758 | $133,763 |
Prosthodontics
STIPEND
This program does not provide a stipend.
Cost of Attendance 2023-2024
Direct Costs* | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Tuition | $114,963 | 114,963 | $95,803 |
Instrument Management System Fee | $3,052 | $2,803 | $772 |
Dental Equipment | $18,683 | $0 | $0 |
Gown Usage Fee | $165 | $165 | $165 |
Health Insurance | $2,702 | $2,702 | $2,702 |
Student Health Center Fee | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
Disability insurance | $53 | $53 | $53 |
*All costs are mandatory | |||
Total School Costs | $140,818 | $121,886 | $100,695 |
Allowances for Indirect Costs | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Room and Board | $26,040 | $26,040 | $26,040 |
Transportation | $3,504 | $3,504 | $3,504 |
Personal/Misc | $3,328 | $3,328 | $3,328 |
Estimated Cost of Attendance | $173,690 | $154,758 | $133,567 |
Special Circ*mstances
If you would like the Financial Aid Office to consider any special financial circ*mstances, you may submit supporting documentation and appeal to request an adjustment to your financial aid package. You must submit your request during the academic year in which the event occurred.
Following are the categories of special circ*mstances appropriate to instigate re-evaluation of your financial aid eligibility.
Rent Cost that Exceeds USC Standard Allowance
DESCRIPTION
The Financial Aid Office will consider an increase in your financial aid eligibility if your monthly rent exceeds the USC standard allowance. The USC standard allowance for graduate students is $1,200/month. Please submit the following:
- A copy of your current lease agreement
Computer Purchase
DESCRIPTION
Please submit the following items to be considered for an increase in your eligibility:
- A letter itemizing the expenses incurred or requested
- Receipt(s) to show items(s) purchased or printout (such as from a website) showing price of items to be purchased
Dental Equipment
DESCRIPTION
The Financial Aid Office will consider an increase in your financial aid eligibility for dental equipment purchases (e.g. dental loupes, gold for fixed prost, etc.). Please submit the following documentation:
- A copy of purchase receipt or invoice
Child Care Expense
DESCRIPTION
The Financial Aid Office will consider an increase in your financial aid eligibility for required child care expenses. Please submit the following:
- Letter identifying the child’s name and age as well as the name of the child care provider and the days/hours that child care is provided
- A copy of the contract verifying child care expenses
Please note that if the student is married and the spouse is not employed, the Financial Aid Office will also require a letter from the student stating why child care is required.
Medical Expenses Not Covered By Insurance
DESCRIPTION
The Financial Aid Office will consider an increase in your financial aid eligibility for non-elective medical expenses not covered by insurance. Please submit the following:
- Itemization of expenses incurred
- Statements, receipts or other documentation to show amount of expense covered by insurance
- Letter from the physician supporting the treatment
Student Visas (ASPID)
infoOffice of Graduate AdmissionCONTACT US
description
Once ASPID students have been officially accepted to USC, we will issue a form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility, which they must then present when they apply for a visa at the U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country.
Before an I-20 can be processed, ASPID students must present a notarized statement of financial support indicating the sponsor’s name, address and source of income. This document must be verified by a bank stamp or the United States Consul for tuition and expenses for one year ($93,000) to the Office of Graduate Admission and the Ostrow Office of Admissions.
If students wish to include spouses and/or dependents on their visa, please attach a separate 8.5 x 11-inch piece of paper to your financial statement that includes:
- Full names
- Dates of birth
- Country of citizenship
- Country of birth
- Relationship to ASPID student
ASPID students must document in their financial statement that they have additional funds of $7,200 for a spouse and $3,600 per dependent.
NIH T90 Training Grant (PhD)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded Ostrow with a training grant (T90/R90) whose primary objective is to provide PhD candidates and postdoctoral trainees with a broadened, interdisciplinary research experience in a research-intensive university setting. At any one time, the training grant will support four PhD students and five postdoctoral trainees.
If you are exceptionally motivated and have thought about pursuing research that addresses oral health problems or aspire to a long-term career in academic or clinical dentistry where you can pursue teaching, research and service at one of the nation’s finest dental schools, consider Ostrow’s craniofacial biology program.
We are looking for promising investigators who seek research and training opportunities in craniofacial and oral biology, biomineralization, cell biology, clinical trials/experimentation, developmental biology, cytokine biology, biomaterials, tissue engineering, neuroscience, immunology, microbial molecular genetics and periodontology.
The T90/R90 training grant prepares recipients to become next-generation leaders and cutting-edge academic dental researchers who are prepared to generate new discoveries that identify, prevent, treat and cure diseases and abnormalities of the oral and craniofacial complex. The goal of this program is to help meet the growing need for research scholars in U.S. dental schools and to produce competent, independent scientists who are able to initiate and maintain funded research programs that will improve world health.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH NIH T90/R90 GRANT
PhD training and non-degree postdoctoral fellowship focuses primarily but not exclusively on scientists who seek advanced training in all aspects of oral biology and oral pathology.
With an emphasis on translational laboratory investigations and independent research, students will thrive in an integrated curriculum that includes mentoring, scientific advancement, academic career development, publication and grantsmanship. We provide training that is tailored to each candidate while maintaining a focus on skeletal, craniofacial and oral biology through symposiums, seminars, courses, clinical research centers and collaborative research.
Students have the opportunity to work with one or more of 40 USC faculty mentors from Ostrow, Keck School of Medicine of USC and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Stipends and Awards
Full stipend, tuition award, health insurance and other benefits are available to support PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows for one to two years during their training. Postdoctoral scholars are generally supported by the research funds of individual faculty members in addition to the NIH T90/R90 training grant. Accepted students are also eligible to receive support for supplies and travel to research related seminars.
Career Planning: Mentoring Future Leaders
Most postdoctoral trainees should be able to look forward to their first faculty appointment or position during or soon after completing the supported training fellowship. Mentors are committed to helping students attain the skills necessary to successfully transition from scholar to independent investigator working in an academic or corporate environment. Faculty fully recognize the importance of imparting their scientific knowledge to prepare bright, motivated students for a future in translational biomedical sciences related to craniofacial development, oral health, disease and treatments.
Research
The program is based at the state-of-the-art Center for Craniofacial and Molecular Biology, although scholars can conduct their research in a wide variety of laboratories around any of USC’s campuses or at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which encompasses many disciplines. Research areas include but are not limited to:
- Embryonic stem cell research
- Tissue engineering
- Neuroscience and physiology
- Genetics and gene regulation
- Extracellular matrix
- Biomaterials
- Oral, microbial and mucosal disease
- Cancer and molecular medicine
Scholarships
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC has an online scholarship database where you can apply for more than $2 million in awards.
Access the scholarship application on the USC Scholarship Universe portal.
Being Prepared
- Have a copy of your undergraduate and dental school transcripts on-hand
- Have a list of your community outreach activities
Note: In order to achieve a holistic evaluation of each applicant, application emphasis is focused on multiple areas, including academic standing, community outreach involvement, research and leadership.
Scholarship Application Timeline
- Applications open in August
- Recipients of renewable scholarships will receive the funds in September if they remain in good academic standing and have no ethical violations.
- Decisions for new recipients will be made and communicated to students via email in December
For questions contact the Ostrow Office of Financial Aid at uscsdfa@usc.edu or (213) 740-2861.
To be eligible to receive or renew scholarships at Herman Ostrow, you must:
- Act in a manner consistent with the ethical and professional behaviors expected of students of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. Therefore, if the Student Professional Performance Evaluation Committee (SPPEC) finds any student guilty of an ethical or professional violation of the School’s Code of Ethics and Behavioral Guidelines or if a student pleads guilty to an allegation, that student is automatically ineligible for any award in subsequent scholarship cycles. In order to be considered for any future awards during the next available cycle, the student must submit an appropriate scholarship application for consideration by the Scholarship Committee.
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Annually submit an Ostrow scholarship application.
- Those recipients that do not meet the renewal requirements may apply in the subsequent year and enter the general pool and be considered for other Ostrow endowed scholarship opportunities.
Financial Aid (Certificate Programs)
INFOFREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA)FINANCIAL AID FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS (USCONNECT)CONTINUING GRADUATE STUDENTS(MYUSC)LOANSNATIONAL STUDENT LOAN DATA SYSTEM FOR STUDENTS(NSLDS)CREDIT REPORT
DESCRIPTION
A dental education is a significant financial investment. Ostrow is committed to ensuring that all eligible students have access to the financial aid programs they need to achieve their educational goals.
Once you have submitted your application to the certificate program of your choice, you may begin the financial aid application process.
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident:
Complete theFree Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA).
Some helpful information for completing FAFSA:
- Be sure to note the most current deadlines for submission.
- Use your best estimate of your income from the previous calendar year.
- USC’s Federal School Code is 001328.
- If you wish to be considered for the Health Professions Student Loan Program (HPSL), complete the parental section of FAFSA.
If you are an international student:
New repayment options for federal student loans have made financial aid repayment easier. Income-based repayment, unlike traditional payment plans, takes your income and family size into account when your payment amount is calculated. This helps ensure repayment amounts will be reasonable, no matter what life after graduation may bring. Income-based repayment is available for new and existing federal student loans.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How will I know if I need to submit any additional documents to complete my financial aid application?
Please visit Financial Aid Summary and Tasks (FAST)to determine whether any additional documents are required:
- New Graduate Students(USConnect)
- Continuing Graduate Students(myUSC)
I’ve applied for financial aid. What’s my status?
How do I apply for the Federal Direct Stafford Loan and/or the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?
Directions to apply for the Federal Direct Stafford Loan and/or the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan can be found at https://financialaid.usc.edu/loans/.
Can I receive an in-school deferment for my prior student loans?
USC transmits enrollment status on a scheduled basis to the National Student Clearinghouse. Lenders/servicers are expected to access enrollment information from the Clearinghouse on a periodic basis, therefore automatically granting you an in-school deferment. But it is your responsibility to respond to lenders/servicers concerning any loan status change.
How can I find out who my federal student loan lenders/servicers are and how much debt I have outstanding?
TheNational Student Loan Data System for Students(NSLDS) will capture federal student loan balances and lenders/servicers. Please note that it will not report the Health Professions Student Loan Program (HPSL) nor private, non-federal educational loan programs. To capture HSPL and/or private loan information, you may request your credit report atwww.annualcreditreport.com.