USC Viterbi vs UCSD for Bioengineering - URGENT

<p>Hey everyone, I was admitted to USC and UCSD for bioengineering and I'm having a hard time choosing which one to go to. I live in San Diego, so at first I was a little apprehensive to going to school so close to home (the campus is literally 15 minutes away when there's no traffic). On one hand, that's nice because I know the area and I'm comfortable with it, but while I'm not technically <em>unhappy</em> with going to UCSD, I'm not that excited.</p>

<p>I feel like USC will allow me to be more flexible with my education, especially if I find that I want to change my major. I'm not completely set on becoming a bioengineer, but I'm pretty sure I will pursue some type of engineering. I also like that USC is more well-rounded with a more diverse student population. I visited the campus last fall and liked the strong feeling of school spirit there. However, I don't like that it's next to a pretty shady neighborhood. I have reserves about going to USC because I don't know how good their engineering education is compared to UCSD's. While I want to have a fulfilling college experience, I realize that I'm going to college to learn.</p>

<p>UCSD has almost no school spirit (or so I've heard from my friends who are current students there), but its bioengineering program is #5 in the nation, so I almost feel foolish for even thinking of choosing USC over UCSD. I like that UCSD is more laid back and less of a party school, because I'm not too much of a party person myself. And since UCSD is in the middle of a bio hub, I think it will be a lot easier for me to get internships and jobs if I go to UCSD.</p>

<p>For UCSD, I would have to pay about $31,000 and for USC, I would have to pay about $37,000 (b/c of Presidential half-tuition scholarship).</p>

<p>I feel like there are pros and cons for each school and I'm having a really hard time deciding, so if anyone could help that would be great!</p>