Hi! I am currently an undergraduate student at Cal Poly soon to be a CIS major 
I am aiming to fulfill my GE courses/credits as much and fast as I can. This summer, in 2020, I plan to take two GE courses. I am considering USC and CSULB. I want to take courses at another 4 year university to be in a new environment.
I would like to know what USC or CSULB’s academics are like. I heard from others USC classes are academically challenging whereas CSULB’s are not as challenging. Other than my academics, the social part is important to me; I want to have fun this summer but not too much 
so I would like to know the social life at USC and CSULB as well! Insights are appreciated. Much love!
i am not an expert here but, I bet classes at LB are more clearly mapped to courses at CP than private USC. A CC may be even easier. Depending on the course, an on-line version may do the trick too. I’d work with an advisor at CP to confirm they will accept/recognize the course you take at another campus.
I agree with @NCalRent that CSU to CSU courses would be a better transfer option vs. a Private university to CSU course transfer. You can check out assist.org or as suggested your academic advisor.
What about costs? Based on COA, CSULB would probably less expensive and your local community college would be an even better deal especially if you plan to take GE’s.
https://summerprograms.usc.edu/tuition/