New tool brings transparency to graduate financial aid
This summer, ITS Application Services launched the Graduate College Financing Plan, a new online tool that gives graduate students a clear, personalized view of how their education is funded. The plan summarizes each student’s cost of attendance, available financial aid, loan details, and remaining out-of-pocket balance—empowering students to make informed, confident decisions about their academic investments.
By presenting complex financial data in a transparent and accessible format, the plan promotes financial literacy, supports budgeting and planning, and ensures compliance with U.S. Department of Education requirements for clear, comparable aid information.
Cross-campus collaboration delivers results
The project was a collaborative effort between ITS Application Services and the Financial Aid Office. Senior Software Engineer Alexander Perez developed the responsive interface; Software Engineer Omar Rodriguez built secure data integrations; and Senior Business Analyst Iris Brillantes defined requirements and documentation to ensure accuracy and sustainability.
Launched under a tight federal deadline, the initiative marks the first time graduate students at USC have received a standardized financial overview comparable to undergraduate programs. The Financial Aid Office commended the ITS team for delivering a compliant, student-focused solution that enhances financial transparency and supports long-term well-being.
Looking ahead, the team will continue updating the system as federal policies evolve—including planned adjustments in 2026 when the Graduate PLUS Loan program is phased out and replaced with new private loan options.