Join us for the Graduate GIS Programs Information Session 
Tuition & Fees Overview
Tuition & Financial Aid
We understand that furthering your education is an important financial investment, and we are committed to providing students with more affordable ways to learn. To best support you, we offer opportunities to make our programs more accessible through scholarships, discounts, financial aid and tuition reimbursement.
Most students create a funding mosaic by combining multiple funding sources and using flexible payment plans. Our financial aid team can help you identify the combination that works best for your situation.
| Tuition* | 2025-2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Unit | $2,467 | |
| Total Cost | ||
| Master of Science in GIST (28 Units) | $69,076 | |
| Master of Science in Geodesign, Environment and Health (32 Units) | $78,944 | |
| Master of Science in HSGI (34 Units) | $83,878 | |
| Master of Science in Spatial Data Science (32 Units) | $78,944 | |
| Master of Science in Spatial Economics and Data Analysis (32 Units) | $78,944 | |
| Master of Arts in Global Security Studies (36 Units) | $98,680 | |
| Graduate Certificate in GIST (16 Units) | $39,472 | |
| Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence (16 Units) | $39,472 | |
| Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Leadership (16 Units) | $39,472 | |
| Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing for Earth Observation (16 Units) | $39,472 | |
Application Fee
$90
Books and Supplies
Students can expect to incur additional expenses including books/supplies ($1,008), field excursion room/board ($450 for applicable programs) and travel ($0–$500 for applicable programs). Note that these expenses are approximations, and actual costs will vary.
Health and Activities Fee
$100. Activities include a variety of live virtual performances, concerts, speaker series and more.
Tuition estimates are provided for planning purposes and may vary. Students should confirm the most up-to-date tuition and fee information with USC Financial Aid. Tuition is subject to change each academic year.
Benefits of Full-Time Enrollment
Students enrolled in the Spatial Sciences Institute’s GIS graduate programs are encouraged to maintain full-time enrollment (two courses per semester) to sustain momentum and continuity in learning about rapidly-evolving applications. A student enrolling in two 4-unit courses (8 units) in a semester can expect to pay approximately $19,736 in tuition based on current per-unit rates.
However, a part-time track is also available for students who need more flexibility in their schedule. Keep in mind that our course modalities and online options may allow you to attend full time even if you’re currently working or managing other responsibilities. Learn more about class formats.
In these cases, we recommend students discuss the rationale and impact on their career plans with a student support advisor.
$75k+
55% of graduate respondents employed full-time report an annual base salary of $75,000 or higher.
Based on USC GIST’s 2020 Student Outcome Survey from September 2020 with responses from 69 master’s program graduates and 25 certificate program graduates.
57%
Percent of graduate respondents reporting a pay increase since graduating from USC.
Based on USC GIST’s 2020 Student Outcome Survey from September 2020 with responses from 69 master’s program graduates and 25 certificate program graduates.
94%
Percent of graduate respondents currently employed or continuing their education.
Based on USC GIST’s 2020 Student Outcome Survey from September 2020 with responses from 69 master’s program graduates and 25 certificate program graduates.
Important Update: Graduate PLUS Loan Changes
Effective July 1, 2026, the national Grad PLUS Loan Program will end for new borrowers. Existing borrowers who received a Grad PLUS Loan prior to this date for their current graduate program can continue borrowing for up to three additional years or until their program concludes (whichever comes first).
FAFSA School Code
001328
To apply for federal financial aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the appropriate deadline using USC’s FAFSA school code: 001328. Please note that students must apply for federal financial aid each academic year.
Students enrolled in GIS master’s programs can take advantage of a myriad of merit scholarship and funding opportunities available to them. Some of the scholarships and awards that have been won by past Spatial Sciences Institute students include:
- United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) – Rgi Scholarship for Geospatial and Engineering; Ken Miller Scholarship for Advanced Remote Sensing Applications; Stu Shea USGIF Endowed Scholarship
- Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU) – Scholarships for undergraduates going into graduate school and continuing grads (must be GTU member)
- American Association of Geographers (AAG) – Scholarships and grants awarded to both undergraduates and graduate students in varying amounts
- American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) – Various awards for students pursuing research and/or careers in remote sensing
- Cartography and Geographic Information Science (CaGIS) – Two awards to graduate students or undergraduates planning to complete a GIS master’s degree
The awards mentioned are just a sample of the external funding available to GIS students, and the Spatial Sciences Institute continually circulates relevant job, internship and scholarship opportunities as they arise. Award amounts vary and are subject to the availability of funds. Find more awards by visiting our USC Awards and Fellowships Database.
Where Can I Find More Awards?
Students can also seek financial support from national scholarship search sites such as Scholarships.com and Fastweb.com. Local community organizations and professional associations may also offer funding opportunities.
Because external scholarships may impact available loan amounts, please notify USC Financial Aid of any external awards you receive.
Many employers offer tuition assistance programs as part of their benefits packages, and you may have access to educational benefits or a professional development fund. To explore your options, we encourage you to speak with your employer about using workplace benefits to fund your degree.
Through USC’s partnership with AllCampus, eligible students whose employers are part of the AllCampus Workplace Network receive a 10% tuition discount on their degree program. The AllCampus Workplace Network offers exclusive tuition reductions and scholarships to support working professionals.
Our enrollment specialists are here to help you understand if a discount is available. To learn more, email gis@usc.edu or call 213-325-2474.
The University of Southern California is proud to support U.S. active duty and veteran service members. Veteran funding and scholarships are available to eligible individuals. Visit our Military page to learn more.
Active-duty service members, veterans and dependents are also encouraged to connect with an enrollment specialist for details about education benefits and eligibility requirements.
The Office of Student Financial Services offers graduate students the option to pay university expenses in five monthly installments over each semester.
The payment plan allows students to spread tuition and fee payments across the term, accommodating those using self-pay, employer reimbursement or mixed funding sources. Enrollment is required each semester.
- Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Technology
- Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence
- Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Leadership
Gainful Employment Disclosures help students understand program costs, loan debt and employment outcomes to make informed financial decisions.
Request Brochure
Fill out the information below to learn more about the University of Southern California’s GIS Graduate Programs and download a free brochure. If you have any additional questions, please call 213-325-2474 to speak to an enrollment specialist.
Catalina Island Excursion
Students in the M.S. in GIST, M.S. in HSGI and Graduate Certificate in GIST programs will participate in a week-long fieldwork excursion...
Join us for the Graduate GIS Programs Information Session