Can anyone break down the room and board cost at USC?

Hi guys, I've been officially accepted into USC (woop woop!). The next big step is figuring out housing. Can anyone tell me how much room and board typically costs? Any advice on budgeting is a bonus, thanks!

Congratulations on your acceptance to USC! When it comes to Room and Board costs, they can actually range significantly based on the type of housing you choose, your meal plan, and even the specific buildings you reside in. However, I can provide a general ballpark figure.

On average, the estimated cost for Room and Board at USC is around $19,900 per academic year, but this can easily range from $14,000 all the way up to $22,000 or more. This estimate includes both your housing (dorm room) and your meal plan. Do note that dormitory costs can vary based on whether you have a single, double, or triple room, with single rooms being the most expensive.

The meal plans, which include a specific number of meals at USC dining halls each week, range in cost as well. The exact cost depends on which plan you choose; if you opt for a plan with more meals per week, it will cost more.

When it comes to budgeting, few tips could be:

1. Consider living off-campus: Lower-cost rental options may be available in areas surrounding campus. Be sure to incorporate additional costs such as utilities, internet and potentially food if your place doesn't come with a meal plan.

2. Be mindful with your meal plan: Monitor usage so you don’t run out of meals before the semester ends. Further, think about how often you realistically eat, some can avoid larger plans.

3. Shared rooms can help cut costs as single rooms are priced higher.

Again, keep in mind these costs can vary and may increase slightly each academic year. To get the most accurate information, I would recommend visiting USC's official website or contacting their financial aid office directly.