UMich v/s USC - Please help decide

College Search & Selection
1

My son got admission into UMich LSA but he is interested in business school but did not apply to Ross earlier. Currently, he can get into LSA with ECON major or Poli Sci major
Since we are out of state, this is a full-pay tuition (60k)

He also got admission to USC and there are more chances he can get into IRGB (International Relations and Global Business) program. He also got around 30k in merit scholarship. So, we will need to shell out 45k more

Few questions:

  1. Which school is better and choice is better?
  2. Is UMich placement good even for non-business and non-Engineering majors
  3. How is USC placement and alumni network since we heard UMich is much better.

Can someone help us with this decision?

Thanks in advance to everyone.

2
  1. Which school is better and choice is better?

In the world of industry and typical professions, both schools are perfect peers. In the world of academia, Michigan is better (but that is not as much of a consideration for most undergrads). The “better choice” is the one you can afford and your son would be happy attending.

  1. Is UMich placement good even for non-business and non-Engineering majors

Yes, but obviously not as lucrative. The same case will exist @ USC.

  1. How is USC placement and alumni network since we heard UMich is much better.

Both alumni networks are very strong. I would say the Michigan alumni network wins out though because it could be argued that it is the most powerful alumni network… period.

3

I’m amazed at Michigan’s rep in the Northeast and California. That’s virtually unheard of for a public university. I don’t know about the South, but I wouldn’t doubt it. Internationally?

4

In this case, USC may be the better option due to lower cost & desired major.

5

While I’m sure it’s difficult, your son could always apply for an internal transfer to Ross BBA. Ross states that they enroll about 100 “cross transfers” each year.

https://michiganross.umich.edu/undergraduate/bba/admissions

Michigan’s alumni seem to be everywhere. USC seems to me to be more SoCal-oriented. But that’s just my impression. A sample of one. :smile:

6

Thanks a lot for some detailed information and your help

7

Thanks to everyone

8

@ctsdad

Let us know which school your son picks!

9

According to their website, COA at Michigan for OOS is 64K for Freshman/Sophomore and 67K for Junior/Senior. With USC merit you will save 20K per year (80K total), it’s a private college, smaller undergrad population, great international relations and business program, and awesome weather in SoCal, big time sports (like Michigan), one of the best alumni networks in the US, better racial diversity of student body. It’s a no-brainer, USC hands down.

10

USC has 47,000 students matriculated. Smaller shouldn’t even be considered in this discussion.

11

My son chose USC finally. The money they provided and the personal attention they gave to the kids made us choose them. UMich was certainly a great school but they were nonchalant to any request we had. They did not seem to care whether you joined them or not.

12

@ctsdad

Thank you for updating us! While I am sad to see him pass up the Wolverine family, I am sure he will do great as a Trojan.