<p>Also, even with a half tuition scholarship, USC will be more expensive than the list price of some other schools like Minnesota, NCSU, Virginia Tech, Iowa State, Cal Poly SLO, etc. (even for out of state). Texas A&M out of state list price starts at where USC is with its half tuition scholarship, but Texas A&M does have scholarships which come with non-resident tuition waivers that can make it much less expensive.</p>
<p>Of course, your in-state publics (SUNYs) are likely safety candidates.</p>