Scholarship — Ummah@USC | Support for Muslim Trojans

Who this is for

We keep eligibility simple and the bar human. If you're a Muslim Trojan and money is a real obstacle right now, this is for you.

You're eligible if

You're a currently enrolled USC student — undergraduate or graduate, any school, any major
You're part of the Muslim Trojan community at USC
You can describe a genuine financial need — tuition gap, housing, books, an unexpected hardship

What we don't require

A minimum GPA — grades don't measure need
A leadership résumé or a perfect essay — write plainly, in your own voice
MSU membership or any club involvement — being part of the community is enough

Your privacy is protected. Applications are reviewed confidentially by a small committee. Your name is never shared with donors, and receiving support is never announced publicly.

How to apply

Three steps. Most students finish in under 30 minutes.

Fill out the application

Basic info, your enrollment status, and a short written answer (300–500 words) about your situation and what this award would change for you this semester. No essays about your five-year plan — just the truth.

Attach one document

Proof of current USC enrollment — a class schedule screenshot or enrollment verification is fine. If your need relates to a specific bill or cost, you can attach it, but it's optional.

Hear back — either way

Every applicant gets a personal reply by the decision date, not just awardees. If we can't fund you this cycle, we'll tell you about the next one and any other resources we know of.

Start your application

Questions

Will anyone know I applied or received it?

No. Applications are confidential, reviewed by a small committee, and awardees are never named publicly or to donors. If you'd like to share your story to help future fundraising, that's entirely your choice — and never a condition of the award.

How is the money paid out?

Directly to you (or toward a specific bill, if you prefer), shortly after decisions. It's a gift, not a loan — there's nothing to repay.

Can I apply more than once?

Yes. Not being selected one cycle doesn't affect your chances the next. Circumstances change, and so do our funds.

Where does the money come from?

From the Ummah@USC student hardship & scholarship fund — built by alumni and community members, including Zakat-designated gifts, which are restricted specifically to supporting students in need.

I need help sooner than the decision date.

Reach out directly at Ummahatusc@gmail.com. We can't promise emergency funds, but we'll always talk with you and connect you to USC and community resources we know of.

The Ummah@USC Scholarship