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The USC Stamps Scholarship stands as one of the most prestigious and comprehensive merit awards for incoming undergraduates at the University of Southern California. It is designed to empower the university’s most promising students by providing a robust financial and educational support system. Valued at nearly USD 60,449 (approximately 49 lakhs INR), the scholarship covers full tuition and includes significant enrichment funds for research, travel, and other academic pursuits. This guide offers a clear overview of the scholarship’s benefits, eligibility requirements, application procedure, and the distinctive opportunities it provides to help exceptional students achieve their ambitions at USC.
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What is the USC Stamps Scholarship?
The USC Stamps Scholarship is a highly competitive merit award resulting from a partnership between USC and the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation. It specifically recognises high school seniors who exhibit a powerful combination of academic excellence, proven leadership qualities, and a strong dedication to creating community impact. There is no separate application for this scholarship; all students who apply to USC by the stipulated deadlines are automatically considered. The selection process is multi-faceted and rigorous, with finalists often progressing to interview stages to identify the most distinguished recipients.
Eligibility for USC Stamps Scholarship
The mere eligibility of USC Stamps Scholarship follows the University of Southern California’s Notice of Non-Discrimination policy. This means that every applicant is evaluated fairly and equally, with no consideration of personal characteristics such as race, colour, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation. Selection is based entirely on merit, ensuring that opportunities are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic ability, leadership, and potential to contribute meaningfully to the USC community.
USC Stamps Scholarship: Types and Application Process
The USC Stamps Scholarship is a premier merit-based award within the broader USC Merit Scholarships program, administered by the Office of Admission. These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, leadership, service, or talent. USC Merit Scholarships range from a few thousand dollars to full tuition coverage, while the Stamps Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support along with enrichment funds.
Applicants are automatically considered for scholarships when they apply to USC, and the application route depends on the student’s intended major. Most students should apply through Early Action (EA) to be considered, while programs requiring a portfolio or audition are evaluated under Regular Decision (RD).
Students applying to USC Marshall may choose Early Decision (ED) if they are ready to make a binding commitment. Additionally, National Merit Finalists who select USC as their first-choice institution receive a USD 20,000 annual scholarship. The table below summarises the application routes, deadlines, and scholarship consideration for clarity.
| Application Process of USC Stamps Scholarships | Deadline of Application of USC Stamps Scholarships | Who Can Apply | Scholarship Consideration | Decision Timeline |
| Early Action (EA) | November 1 | Most majors except portfolio/audition programs; Iovine and Young Academy included | Required for merit scholarship consideration, including Stamps Scholarship | Notification by mid- to late January |
| Early Decision (ED) | November 1 | Students applying to USC Marshall (except World Bachelor in Business) | Considered for USC Merit Scholarships; binding if admitted | Notification by December 15 |
| Regular Decision (Portfolio/Audition Majors) | December 1 | Programs in Architecture, Roski School of Art, Cinematic Arts, Dance, Dramatic Arts, Music, and World Bachelor’s in Business | Eligible for merit scholarships, including the Stamps Scholarship | Decision released by April 1 |
| Regular Decision (Other Majors) | January 10 | All majors not requiring a portfolio or audition | Final deadline for merit scholarship eligibility, including Stamps Scholarship | Decision released by April 1 |
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Financial Aid Deadlines of USC Stamps Scholarship
Students seeking need-based financial aid at USC must submit the required forms by specific deadlines depending on their application type. The main forms are the FAFSA and the CSS Profile, which provide the information USC uses to determine eligibility for grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
Students who are undocumented or DACA and cannot submit a FAFSA should instead provide their 2024 tax return along with a third-party letter confirming their status. California residents should also submit a Cal Grant application by the required deadline to be considered for state funding.
Applicants are encouraged to check the Financial Aid Summary and Tasks (FAST) portal regularly to track the status of their submissions and complete any required steps on time. The table below summarises the deadlines and requirements for each type of applicant.
| Type of Application for USC Stamps Scholarships | Deadline | Requirements of Applications |
| Early Decision (ED) | November 1, 2025 | Submit FAFSA and CSS Profile to be considered for need-based aid |
| Early Action (EA) | December 12, 2025 | Submit FAFSA and CSS Profile |
| Regular Decision (RD) | February 4, 2026 | Submit FAFSA and CSS Profile |
| Undocumented / Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals(DACA Students) | Varies | Submit 2024 tax return and third-party letter verifying undocumented status |
| Cal Grant (California Residents) | March 2, 2026 | Apply to Cal Grant program for state financial aid |
Other USC Merit Scholarships and Stamps Scholarships
In addition to USC Merit Scholarships and the Stamps Scholarship, students can explore a variety of other scholarships administered by offices outside the USC Office of Admission. These may include awards from on-campus departments, alumni groups, or external organisations affiliated with USC.
The value of these scholarships can range from a few thousand dollars to over USD 10,000 per year. Unlike merit scholarships, most of these awards require a separate application, and deadlines, eligibility criteria, and interview requirements may vary depending on the sponsoring organisation. Students are encouraged to review each scholarship carefully to ensure they meet all requirements and submit applications on time.
| Scholarship Source for USC Scholarship | Amount | Application Requirement | Deadlines | Interview Requirement |
| On-campus offices | $1,000 – $10,000+ | Separate application required | Varies by scholarship | May or may not be required |
| Alumni groups | $1,000 – $10,000+ | Separate application required | Varies by scholarship | May or may not be required |
| External affiliated organisations | $1,000 – $10,000+ | Separate application required | Varies by scholarship | May or may not be required |
The USC Stamps Scholarship provides full tuition and enrichment support for high-achieving students. Along with other merit and departmental scholarships, it offers multiple funding opportunities, rewarding academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement while ensuring timely application and financial aid submission.
FAQs
Ans. The Stamps Scholarship is a merit-based award for high school seniors admitted to USC who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. There is no separate application; students are automatically considered when they apply to USC.
Ans. The scholarship provides full tuition coverage, plus enrichment funds for activities such as research, study abroad, leadership programs, and other academic opportunities. Recipients may also receive mentoring and networking support through the Stamps Foundation.
Ans. Students applying through Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), or Regular Decision (RD) are automatically considered for the scholarship. Majors requiring portfolios or auditions follow Regular Decision, while USC Marshall applicants can opt for Early Decision if they are ready to make a binding commitment.
Ans. Yes, while these students cannot submit the FAFSA, they may provide their 2024 tax return along with a third-party letter verifying undocumented status. This allows them to be considered for need-based aid at USC.
Ans. Yes, USC offers merit scholarships, departmental awards, alumni scholarships, and external affiliated awards. These may require separate applications, have different deadlines, and sometimes include interviews. Amounts typically range from a few thousand dollars to over USD 10,000 per year.
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