Financial Aid Home

" I am an athlete here at USC Aiken. The professors work well with me, and understand that I am going to miss class occasionally. They take time to explain to me the things I missed. USC Aiken is the place for me. "

- Jeremy Smith , Business Administration major

Students in Class
Did You Know?
USC Aiken has some of the best professional schools in South Carolina. All three - business, nursing, and education - have received the highest level of accreditation possible. This means more opportunities for you to learn from the best and brightest the University has to offer.

"USC Aiken has the best faculty around! Professors and advisors really have your best interest in mind and will always work with you."

- Dalisha Williams, Middle School Education major

"USC Aiken has so much to offer. Whether it’s Greek life, student activities, athletics, honor societies, or residential life, our campus is full of opportunities and ways to become involved."

- Aaron Doctor, Exercise and Sports Science major

John Ellis
"USCA has many different students from many different backgrounds, but one thing that ties us all together is the campus atmosphere. When I left high school I was scared that I was not going to meet anyone that would be as good as my friends back home. Within my first couple of days at USCA, I had more friends than I have ever had before."

- John Ellis, Communications major

TJ Langford
"During the course of my freshman and sophomore years, I was a resident in the Pacer Downs. When I first met my roommate my freshman year, we became the best of friends from the get-go. We found out that we were so much alike in many ways. We connected like brothers, and we are still roommates today during our junior year. "

- Anthony (T.J.) Langford, Communications major

"Getting involved in Greek Life and participating in intramural sports is a great way to meet new people. I have participated in every intramural sport offered, and it has helped me stay active. "

- TJ Johnston, Business Marketing major

Chris Brown
"Working on campus is a great opportunity for students at USC Aiken. You have the chance to meet so many faculty and staff members and see what happens behind the scenes here at school. Your job will also work around your class schedule because they always put academics first. "

- Chris Brown, Fine Arts major

"Through the wide variety of classes and clubs, USCA offers a little something for everyone. Its small class sizes, charm, and personal professors make it the perfect choice."

- Jessica Walters, Nursing major

"As a sophomore at USCA, I have really enjoyed the college classroom setting. Since the class sizes aren’t too big, I can always get help from professors anytime I’m in need."

- Thomas Mcleod, Exercise and Sports Science major

"Attending USC Aiken has been a great experience for me. From the campus events to classes and to housing, we are a like a family – a home away from home."

- Alyssa Gadsden, Chemistry major

"I love attending USC Aiken because I feel as if am in a family oriented environment. What I love most about is its location, the independence you gain from attending, and our Pacer spirit!"

- Alesha Jones, Communications major

Dana Hallat
"I never thought I would meet people from all around the world on such a small campus. You can find the best of both worlds: the advantages of a big campus in a small, friendlier environment."

- Dana Hailat, Biology (pre-dental) major

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Room 102, Penland Administration Building
471 University Parkway ♦ Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: 803-641-3476 ♦ Fax: 803-643-6840 ♦ Email: stuaid@usca.edu
OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday ♦ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Federal School Code 003449

2012-2013 FAFSA is Now Available
The 2012-2013 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available online at www.fafsa.gov. The 2012-2013 FAFSA should be filed to apply for financial aid for Fall 2012, Spring 2013 and Summer 2013.

IMPORTANT: IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA
The FAFSA now includes an IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) that allows students and parents (after they have filed their federal tax returns) to populate their tax return information on the FAFSA. Complete and file your 2011 federal tax return(s) with the IRS as soon as possible. Approximately 2 weeks after you electronically file your tax return(s) with the IRS, you can go to FAFSA on the Web and use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool by clicking 'LINK TO IRS'. Use the DRT when you initially file the FAFSA, or go back to FAFSA on the Web to update/correct your information.

CLICK HERE for more information about using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.

PLEASE NOTE: Some students and parents of dependent students will not be able to use the Data Retrieval Tool. If your application is selected for verification and you are not able to use the DRT (or you choose not to use it), you must request a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS.

IRS TAX RETURN TRANSCRIPT - Change in Verification Process
Beginning with the 2012-13 academic year, the Office of Financial Aid can no longer accept personal copies of federal tax returns. A student whose FAFSA has been selected for verification MUST use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA OR request a copy of a federal Tax Return Transcript from the IRS. The request can be made online at www.irs.gov or by calling 1-800-908-9946. We suggest that you make a copy for your records before submitting the transcript to the Office of Financial Aid.

CLICK HERE for additional information about ordering a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS.

Changes to the Direct Student Loan Programs
Beginning with the 2012-13 aid year, several important changes will occur to the Direct Student Loan Programs. These changes include:

Direct Loans for graduate and professional students will now be solely unsubsidized. This does not affect the total amount that can be borrowed.
Subsidized Loans for undergraduate students will now accrue interest during the six-month grace period after graduation.

Federal Education Loan Programs
CLICK HERE for more information about Federal Direct student and parent education loans. You will find the steps that you need to take to secure a federal education loan.

For specific information about all of your federal education loans (current and prior years), go to the website of the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) at www.nslds.ed.gov/nslds_SA/.

2012-13 SC Teachers and Career Changers Loans
The 2012-13 SC Teachers and Career Changers Loan Application is now available online at www.scstudentloan.org/UserFiles/File/PDF/parentstuds/
Teacher.pdf. Students are encouraged to download the application and submit it to the School of Education. State funding is limited and students are encouraged to apply early. Applications are also available in the Office of Financial Aid (Penland Room 102). If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 803-641-3476.

Financial Aid Award Notifications
Your financial aid award notification will be sent to your USC Aiken email account. You will be instructed to access VIP to view your financial aid award information.* If you need to take any additional action, you will see links and red text below your awards. Click those links and follow the instructions provided.

* New students should go to http://web.usca.edu/vip for instructions to set up your VIP account and PIN. Once your financial aid has been processed, you will be able to view award information on VIP.

LIFE and Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Enhancements
LIFE and Palmetto Fellows Scholarship recipients who are enrolled in an approved math or science major and who are second, third or fourth year students may qualify for an increased award amount. Click here for detailed information about the scholarship enhancements.

The University Of South Carolina Aiken

Federal School Code 003449