USC starts Monday. Check these five things.
A $310 automatic charge you can opt out of, Friday’s payment deadline, and three more dates to know.
Issue 003 · August 20, 2026
Classes start Monday. Before the syllabus pileup begins, here are five dates that could save you money — or at least a headache.
1. Your fall bill is due Friday
USC’s fall payment deadline is Friday, August 21, at 5 p.m. Pacific. Missing it can trigger a $100 late fee. USC also offers a payment plan with a $75 enrollment fee.
Payment deadlines · Payment plan
2. Check the automatic $310 course-materials charge
Undergraduates are automatically enrolled in USC’s Digital Course Materials Program. Follett’s Fall 2026 notice lists a $310 charge and a September 11 opt-out deadline.
Open My Materials in Brightspace and compare what is included with what your classes actually require. If you picked up physical materials, return them before opting out. Keep the confirmation email.
Program details · Opt-out portal
3. Having insurance does not automatically qualify you for a waiver
To waive USC’s SHIP/Aetna plan, your insurance must meet USC’s coverage requirements. Waiver requests are due September 11 and must be submitted every fall.
4. Meal-plan changes close September 2
USC Housing assigns meal plans based on your year and housing. If you want to change or upgrade yours, the fall deadline is September 2.
5. New undergrads: finish your first modules by Monday
New undergraduates must complete Part 1 of Sexual Assault Prevention and AlcoholEdu by the first day of classes, August 24. Part 2 of both modules opens September 18. Check TrojanLearn for your individualized assignments.
Sources
- USC Student Financial Services — Fall 2026 payment deadline and late fee.
- USC Student Financial Services — payment-plan enrollment fee.
- USC Digital Course Materials Program and Follett’s Fall 2026 enrollment notice — automatic enrollment, price, opt-out deadline, and physical-material return requirement.
- USC Student Health — insurance-waiver deadline and requirements.
- USC Hospitality — meal-plan assignments, options and change deadline.
- USC Prevention Education Modules — required modules and Fall 2026 dates.