<p>I got into USC for Fall '08, and my family has done so much since to ensure that i have the necessary funds for college... but the cost obviously is just flat out exorbitant. I need opinions, because I feel really guilty. Is this going to be worth it? Should I choose another option? It's my dream school by far, I just dont know if it will really be worth all the money in the long run. Someone reassure me!!</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Well, if your family can afford it then of course it is worth the money! As a parent myself, all I can say is that I view my ability to contribute to my childrens' educations as the best possible gift I could give them and also one I have been planning to help with since before they were born. If it pinches the finances a bit, then think about this: when I was at the physical therapist's office in my hometown (CA) the other day, the girl at the desk was going on and on about how hard it was to get referrals from any of "those USC people. Honestly, they only give business to other USC people and they only give jobs to other USC people. It's ridiculous!" Of course, she did not know my son was about to attend USC, but I have heard this many times over the years so I have to assume it is true that attending USC can be helpful financially in the long term.
Also, it seems to me that there are a large number of opportunities to get merit based money from USC throughout the undergraduate and graduate years. One year will tell you a lot. If you need to move down to another school, then you can cross that bridge when you get to it. At this point in the game, your family has obviously told you to attend. Try to express your gratitude and be thankful every day. Then show up on campus in August and make your dreams come true.</p>
<p>Thank you very much :)</p>
<p>My daughter just graduated. Her only stress is that she has too many job opportunities! Do I think USC is worth it? Absolutely! It is so nice this private school obtains professors who are so available for counseling, one on one time, and advice. Through alumni, she has found wonderful mentors. And, as a USC alumni herself now, she wants to help others, as she has had the best role models.</p>
<p>i don't think it is worth the money. It is not like you are going for a graduate degree. As long as you can get a decent GPA from a respectable school. I don't see why you want to pay much more for USC.Undergrad education is so overrated.</p>
<p>To Gayle: What was your daughter's major? Congratulations on her many job offers.</p>
<p>My son graduated USC School of Cinematic Arts. It was worth every penny. He was also accepted OOS to UNC and UVA in-state with the prepaid tuition plan. As east coast people at the time, I doubt we would have thought of USC as an option if it wasn't for film.</p>
<p>What is money for? If your family has the money, why not spend it on the best education you can get? On the other hand, if money is not easily available in your family and there is a recession out there, I think you need a major which will give you a good job upon graduation to make any loans worthwhile.</p>