The Price Scholars for Community Enrichment Endowment Fund at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy supports incoming Price graduate students who are driven to improve the quality of life in communities across Southern California.
Funded by the Price Philanthropies Foundation, the program makes graduate study more accessible for students whose commitment to public service has been shaped by meaningful personal, professional, or community-based experiences. It aims to reduce financial barriers for students who demonstrate financial need and a strong alignment with the Price School’s mission.
Ideal candidates have a record of service, leadership, and community engagement, and are motivated to use their graduate education to make a difference—particularly in areas where opportunities and resources have historically been limited. Price Scholars join a cohort of students preparing to lead in public administration, policy, planning, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors across Southern California and beyond.
Scholarship Highlights
Funding
Up to full tuition + $5, 500 stipend
Programs
MPA, MPP, MUP, MHA
Focus
Strengthening Southern CA Communities
Renewal
Renewable annually until degree completion
Scholars Spotlight
Application Preview
Applications are currently open. Prospective fall 2027 applicants can access the application here. Students must respond to essay prompts found under the Program Materials section of their graduate admission application to be considered.
The scholarship application consists of:
- A complete graduate admission application to an eligible program including letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and all other materials required for admission
- Essay responses to the following prompts, which are found within the Program Materials section of the graduate admission application:
- Describe a specific contribution you’ve made to a community – through service, leadership, organizing, or another form of engagement. 2) What are your career plans after graduation, and where do you hope to work? The statement must fit in the box provided (approximately 200 words / 1300 characters). Please do not submit an attachment.
- Please share any information about your financial circumstances that you’d like the committee to consider in evaluating your financial need. 2) How do you plan to finance your USC Price graduate education? The statement must fit in the box provided (approximately 150 words / 850 characters). Please do not submit an attachment.
Commonly Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
The Price Scholars for Community Enrichment Scholarship is open to prospective master students applying to fall admission for one of the following in-person programs at the University Park Campus:
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- Master of Urban Planning (MUP)
- Master of Health Administration (MHA)
Domestic students, including undocumented students, are eligible to apply.
Both applicants with several years of work experience as well as recent graduates with strong involvement and volunteerism are encouraged to apply.
What does the scholarship cover, and is it renewable?
- The award may consist of two parts:
- A scholarship to help cover direct costs such as tuition and/or fees, depending on a student’s financial aid package and/or,
- A stipend of up to $5,500 to help with indirect costs such as books, transportation, housing, or other personal expenses.
- The scholarship is renewable as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress including at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Do I need to live in Southern California?
Students do not need to live in Southern California, but there must be a clear demonstrated interest to create a positive impact to under-served communities within Southern California.
When will recipients be notified?
Students are notified of their application status around mid-March each year.
How do I apply for the USC Price Community Enrichment Scholarship?
- Students must apply for fall graduate admission by the December 15th deadline to one of the eligible programs: MPA (on-campus), MPP, MUP, MHA.
- The scholarship essay prompts are found within the graduate admission application. Under the Program Materials section, click on the specific program application name. Click on the Program Questions link to view the essay prompts.
- Under the specific program name, we also recommend clicking on the Details link to view important guidelines on submitting a complete graduate admission application. Incomplete admission applications are not guaranteed scholarship consideration.
- Students are encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) as soon as possible. After submitting your financial aid application, we recommend contacting the USC Financial Aid Office to ensure your application has been received.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our Price scholarships or program costs, please contact [email protected]. Our team is happy to assist you.
The Price Scholars for Community Enrichment Fund is administered consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Recipients are chosen without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited characteristic.