USC (money) or Stanford (not so much)

<p>Due to a chain of very poor financial decisions on my father's part over the year, I feel that the EFC is gonna be one hell of a price to meet (My mom thinks $15,000 is what she can pay, but the EFC is more like $26,000). I know Stanford has great aid, but it's only for the gap between EFC and the total cost. USC's offering 34k a year. I really like both schools, can I get some opinions?</p>

<p>I'd say take the money at USC.</p>

<p>There is little comparison. I would borrow to go to Stanford if I were planning a career in business or law. If pre med I'd save the money and go to USC. For anything else, you just need to take a hard look.</p>

<p>Even if USC was the one that was more expensive, I would still go there. USC is so much better!</p>

<p>Academic wise, USC is great, and they probably have the best connections out of any other school in the world.</p>

<p>And while Stanford may be more prestigious, USC offers everything a college student would want. USC offers a complete experience, but doesn't slack off when it comes to education. From football games, to chillin in LA, to getting an internship or a job...USC will meet all of your needs.</p>

<p>I second SoCal18.</p>

<p>I don't see why you would burden your family or yourself with debt from loans when you can get an excellent education at a much better price at USC. USC has a better alumni network anyway. If all things were equal, I'd say Stanford personally, but people make way too much of a big deal about this college vs. that college.</p>

<p>Downgrade the Trustee scholarship I was up for to Presidential (17k a year).</p>

<p>Now my decision is easier with less attractive options. Oh goody.</p>

<p>That's still a ton of money. I'd go to USC.</p>

<p>Stanford is the easy choice.</p>

<p>Well... you have no idea how much Stanford is going to give you, so i say wait until you see how much Stanford will give you.. if you have to pay less than 20k then you should definitely go there, otherwise go to USC.</p>

<p>USC's aid package is a lot less attractive. The downgrade to Presidential Scholarship still leaves me with a 24,000 bill, which is unlikely to be better than what Stanford offers (and they have less of the aid in loans). I'll wait and see.</p>

<p>If you're going to pay the same amount of many I say Stanford all the way. I would only choose USC if there was a significant difference in the amount you have to pay.</p>

<p>ETA:Yes I may be a bit biased ;)</p>

<p>You guys have got to be kidding me. USC's connections better than any other school's??? About the same academically? "Much better"? Than Stanford???</p>

<p>I know Trojans drink the kool-aid there but this is just too much. Stanford is LEAGUES ahead of USC. If you're comparing USC and UCLA, Pomona, maybe Berkeley and USC's tuition is cheaper - sure, go to USC. But if you go to Stanford, you not only have access to its alumni network but alums from Harvard, Princeton, Yale, etc. will take notice as well. Will they do the same for USC? Highly unlikely. Good luck with your choice and finances.</p>

<p>I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to go to Stanford.</p>