University of Southern California - Sol Price School of Public Policy

About this program

The mission of the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy is to improve the quality of life for people and their communities, here and abroad. The school achieves this mission through education and research that promote innovative solutions to the most critical issues facing society. Over the past 93 years, the Price School has earned the public trust by creating path-breaking research and scholarship. We believe it is our ethical responsibility to continue serving our global community at the highest level of excellence. The Price School’s academic programs prepare students with the knowledge and distinctive opportunities to make meaningful contributions within their fields. Sustainability, healthcare, immigration, infrastructure, urban development, social policy, affordable housing, and governance _ these are just a few of the modern challenges that require leaders who look beyond their area of expertise to find the most effective solutions. Esteemed faculty, an innovative curriculum, and our abundance of resources have earned the Price School a reputation of excellence. In fact, the School was recently ranked #3 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Most important, USC Price graduates are creating positive influence on society by shaping public policy that improves quality of life.

Year partnership began: 2008
Fellowships awarded per year (average): 6

Application requirements

Please submit a USC Graduate Application, transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, USC Price Supplemental Form (complete through the Graduate On-line Applications), current resume, three letters of recommendation, Statement of Purpose and the USC Price Scholarship Application Form (if you wish to be considered for USC Price-sponsored scholarships)

Admissions process

To apply for the scholarship, please complete the Dean’s Merit Scholarship Application which is part of the USC Graduate Application for Admission by the December 15th scholarship deadline.

For application fee waiver, please visit the following website: https://gradadm.usc.edu/lightboxes/us-students-fee-waivers/

Check "Peace Corps Affiliation" under "Agency Affiliation" on the Graduate Application.

Degrees awarded

Master of Health Administration, Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management, Master of Urban Planning, Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Policy, Master of Real Estate Development

Benefits and opportunities

	In-state	Out-of-state
Tuition and fees	$106,971	$106,971
Value of fellowship	$26,154	$26,154
Net cost	$80,817	$80,817

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $25,156

Cost savings details

The Fellowship is a 25% tuition scholarship, renewable for a second year assuming satisfactory academic progress. Students may be eligible to receive additional Dean's Merit Scholarship funding that increases the Fellowship to a half or full tuition scholarship award.

Tuition listed is estimated based on 12 units fall and spring for 2 years for a degree program requiring 48 units. Some degree programs require 40 units. The MRED program has a higher tuition rate.

Internship

Peace Corps Fellows at USC Price complete an internship that benefits an underserved community. With Los Angeles in our backyard, students have partnered with schools, nonprofit organizations and agencies near the university integrating classroom instruction with real-world learning experience. The Price School recognizes that tomorrow’s leaders must be adept in addressing issues that arise both locally and globally, connecting students with internship opportunities within their chosen field of study. Some examples of internship placements are: Adult Literacy Program--Los Angeles Public Library; Arizona Immigration and Refugee Services; Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center; Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles (CRA/LA); Community Based Learning Collaborative/Joint Education Project; International Rescue Committee/City Heights Office; Pancreatic Cancer Action Network; Students First; and Teach for America.

Other opportunities

Jobs for alumni

City of Los Angeles Mayor's Office; Grant Specialist, Community Partners; Program Manager, Legislative Department, City of Long Beach; Research Assistant, U.S. Department of State; Assistant Public Affairs Officer, Virginia Housing Alliance; AmeriCorps VISTA Leader; Assistant to the City Manager, City of Long Beach, CA; Chief Strategy Officer, Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink); Program Director for Digital Health, Loma Linda University Health Care; Chief of Staff, LeadersUp; Director of Domestic Programs, LGBTQ Victory Institute, Washington, DC Metro Area; Deputy Director, NYC Office of Management and Budget; Advisor to the Executive Director, Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy; Community Development Planner, The Norwalk Redevelopment Agency, New York City; Area Portfolio Leader, Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco Bay Area