<p>Jspits, congrats on the scholarship. My obvious answer, even as an SC alum, is to go to Santa Barbara. But, question, are you committed to swimming for 4 years? If you think there’s a chance of not, will you lose all funding at SB?
My D’s friend is on water polo at SB and is very happy. But, it seems like 75% of the athletes I know drop the sport after 1 or 2 years.
The previous USC estimate of $35-45,000 a year out of your parents’ pocket is probably pretty accurate. And, if it’s not merit based, it can be lowered any time if your parents fortunes bump up. Multiply by 4 - yikes! But, UCSB will be close to $30,000 without a scholarship.
Best of luck to you.</p>