My D has been trying to narrow down her choice to USC, Emory and a state univ. w/ a full ride (ranked 100~150 in Niche). She is aiming her career goal to health related fields like Public Health. She is very interested in looking at Health through the lens of Sociology, History, and etc. In this perceptive all these 3 schools are good fits. I’d like to hear from parents about what you’d like to tell your children if they should decide?
Some pros and cons are -
USC - close, but very expensive
state univ. - no cost, but less reputation
Emory - far, the cost is in-between
I’m an immigrant, but my D was born in US.
Is her instate option one of the UCs?
You say all three of these would meet her needs and be a good fit. Why the “reputation” comment? There are plenty of programs at colleges without big name reputation or rankings that will fulfill an undergrad student’s need.
Try to look holistically at these programs, and colleges, and try to do so without reading rankings.
I agree with @thumper1. I am also that person that used to be obsessed with rankings. It’s important to evaluate the particular program a student is in. Even if it’s a state school with a strong major, then that’s an excellent opportunity, because less cost=lest debt. And also it depends on what expensive means. If its 100k per year for USC, then that’s not really worth it, compared to 20k or 30k. Although it’s good to debt free as I mentioned before, and save money, a degree from a prestigious university with a few loans is worth it and can make quite a bit of difference in networking & job opportunities
Thanks a lot @thumper1 & @Puzzeled101 We are not in CA … live in rocky mountain area and students want to go to west or east coast because they think that looks cooler 
Looks like going to a state university is a good option, but my D doesn’t like that idea. Hard decision …
I am in the same boat as your daughter. I want to go URochester, but I am not sure whether finances will work (still waiting for FA). Stony Brook, on the other hand, (which is also a good school) is incredibly cheap, but I don’t want to miss out on any opportunity.
@Puzzeled101 Good luck! Hope FA helps you going to URochester! I heard that school is great! As long as FA is affordable, your parents are happy with you going there? Actually ‘affordable’ != ‘cheap’
@singingbear
If anything in Healthcare then Emory is the best option. Especially because of the QSS ( let your D research this) program and Emory’s Public health school is arguably best in the world.
@emorynavy Thank you so much!!! Even if it is arguable, it is great to hear Emory Public Health is the best in the world! I will definitely let my D research on QSS. Thanks a lot for the great info!