An email I received last night came from a mom of a student I’ve had the privilege of guiding since 2023 indicating that she was just accepted to USC. It’s a joyful time for both me and parents to get news like but this is also where I share my “tough love” with my families. Choosing where to attend college is a monumental decision, and understanding how external factors like budget cuts can affect the resources available to you is critical. While USC remains a prestigious institution with a wealth of opportunities, the fiscal challenges it faces should prompt students to ask tough questions about whether the university’s offerings will align with their aspirations and needs.
As a college consultant, it’s important to provide families with insights like these, as they can be pivotal in making the best possible decision. Ultimately, each student must balance academic goals with the realities of financial and operational limitations. By gaining a deeper understanding of how these cuts might affect their intended field of study, prospective USC students can make a more informed, strategic decision about where to pursue their higher education.
First, I suggest Prospective students should engage in thoughtful conversations with admissions counselors, professors, and current students to understand how the fiscal cuts are affecting their specific academic programs. Here are some key questions to consider when making a decision:
What Are the Long-Term Implications of Budget Cuts? The immediate effects of budget cuts are evident, but prospective students should consider whether these changes will have long-term consequences for their academic experience, career prospects, and overall satisfaction. Another question you should ask, How Will Research Opportunities Be Impacted? For students interested in STEM, especially in fields like engineering, physics, and biology, research opportunities are often a defining aspect of the educational experience. With funding cuts, students should inquire whether research opportunities will remain stable or be limited in the short term. Consider inquiring, What Resources Are Available for Internships and Career Development? Beyond academic coursework, networking, internships, and career services play a pivotal role in shaping a student’s post-graduation trajectory. Ensure that these services will not be diminished as a result of budgetary restrictions. I’d also encourage newly admitted students to USC for the 2025-26 academic year to ask, Will Financial Aid Be Affected? For students reliant on financial aid, it’s important to understand how USC plans to navigate any potential reduction in federal funding and how it might affect scholarship availability and student support services.
The announcement of USC’s budget cuts, which include a hiring freeze and other significant fiscal adjustments, marks a pivotal moment for prospective students—especially those who plan to attend with the aim of excelling in specific fields. These cuts could have profound implications, particularly in programs reliant on research funding or substantial administrative support. As USC releases admissions decisions for the 2025-26 academic year, students and their families must weigh how these fiscal decisions may affect their experience at the university, especially for those in highly specialized, research-focused, or resource-heavy programs.
USC’s decision to enact an immediate hiring freeze, combined with permanent reductions to administrative and operational budgets, signals a need for students to critically evaluate whether the resources at USC will align with their academic and career goals. The university’s reliance on federal funding is a key factor in its fiscal outlook. In the fiscal year 2024, USC received approximately $1.35 billion in federal funds, including over $569 million for federally funded research. However, uncertainty surrounding federal funding, including potential cuts to scientific research and changes to student loans, will likely place immense strain on USC’s ability to maintain funding for these critical programs.
This situation may particularly impact students aiming for majors that require robust research and lab resources. Fields such as biomedical engineering, computer science, and other STEM disciplines rely heavily on continuous funding to support faculty, research assistants, and high-tech labs. If USC cannot maintain adequate resources for these programs due to financial constraints, students in these areas could face delays in their research projects, fewer opportunities for hands-on experiences, and possible challenges securing funding for necessary academic resources, such as lab equipment and materials.
While the most direct impact may seem to be felt by STEM majors, students in non-STEM fields should also proceed with caution. The administrative budget cuts, coupled with hiring freezes, may reduce the university’s ability to provide support services such as academic advising, career counseling, and internship placements. This could hinder a student’s ability to develop connections and gain the support necessary to thrive in their chosen field. For example, students studying humanities, social sciences, or even business may find fewer internship opportunities, diminished connections with faculty, or fewer events to enhance their academic network. A lack of investment in extracurriculars and networking events could diminish the social and professional opportunities that have traditionally been one of USC’s strongest draws.
For students planning to pursue programs that require significant administrative support, such as film, business, or arts management, the reduction in operational funding could further limit their access to key resources—like guest lectures, industry connections, and behind-the-scenes experiences—that are often critical for launching a successful career after graduation.
Another significant concern surrounding USC’s budget cuts is the potential impact on financial aid services. The university’s significant reliance on federal funding, including about $650 million in student financial aid, could leave students vulnerable to changes in the funding structure. If federal support for financial aid is reduced or restructured, it could lead to more stringent requirements for financial assistance, meaning students may have to navigate more complex processes to secure aid packages.
For students relying on need-based scholarships or financial aid, these changes could be particularly concerning. Even with USC’s prestigious reputation, students must consider whether the institution will be able to maintain its financial aid commitment in light of these cuts.
Direct these questions or concerns to the admissions office first then reach out to the individual who runs the specific department the student’s major is in. You can do this by simply looking at their academic offerings and look for faculty in that department. Hope you enjoyed this post and best of luck to all of you as you make this important decision on where to invest the next 4 years of your life.
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