Norman Topping Student Aid Fund Scholarship
Direct application
Up to $5,500
Eligibility
School
University of Southern California
Education level
Graduate
Year of study
Entering
Financial
Financial need
About this scholarship
Entering USC freshmen, transfer students, and graduate students with financial need may apply for supplemental, renewable Norman Topping scholarships of up to $5,500 per year. Applicants must demonstrate strong community awareness through volunteer service and file a FAFSA or California Dream Act application.
First-generation college students and residents of communities surrounding USC's University Park and Health Sciences campuses receive primary consideration, though the award is not limited to those groups. Renewal requires a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (3.0 for graduate scholars), full-time enrollment, attendance at NTSAF events, and 20 hours of community service per semester.
Essay questions
What else to submit
- Online application form
- One recommendation letter submitted through the portal
- USC admission application in the same calendar year
- Personal background essay
- Community awareness and involvement essay
- Essay describing goals at USC
- Online application form (separate versions for freshman, transfer, and graduate applicants)
- One letter of recommendation submitted through the portal
- FAFSA or Dream Act application on file (demonstrated financial need)
- USC admission application in the same calendar year
- Full-time enrollment status
- Selection criteria: initiative & achievements, community awareness, volunteer efforts, goals at USC, first-generation status / prior residence in USC-adjacent areas
- Renewal requires a 2.5 cumulative GPA for undergraduate scholars or 3.0 for graduate scholars, full-time enrollment, attendance at NTSAF events, and 20 hours of community service per semester.