<p>Considering this is a very ambiguous case, I think it would we beneficial to hear some insight on the topic. The basic dilemma for many who have applied or will apply to USC (including myself) is whether it is worth attending over a local public university. </p>
<p>My personal situation follows this scenario: I am currently living in Georgia, though I am a former Californian (God I love that state). I believe I have a decent shot at being accepted at USC, and I will definitely be accepted at University of Georgia. The kicker is that Georgia residents receive the HOPE scholarship which pays for tuition (and $500 for books) for all 4 years. I am definitely looking into business (management or entrepreneurship), but have always been torn by which is the best choice, an affordable local school or a higher ranked out-of-state private school. If money was no issue, I would be at USC in a heartbeat (My heart is truly with the school), but we all know it will be a major factor. So the question boiled down is "Is USC worth the cost of tuition, living, and travel (because plain tickets cross-country aren't cheap)?" Thank you to all who take the time to view this thread and Fight On!</p>
<p>I am also a Georgian, so I can understand some of your dilemma. One question you may want to consider is where do you want to live/work after school? People on this board will tell you that USC has great business connections throughout southern California and much of the west coast. However, back in Georgia, a lot of people either recognize USC as the South Carolina institution, or only associate the name with OJ Mayo and John David Booty. If you want to end up back in the southeast ultimately, I imagine a UGA degree will open more doors.</p>
<p>The cross-country travel does get expensive, and does mean you won't be coming home for random weekends. However, USC does provide an amazing experience and is arguably better than UGA in many regards. Have you looked into the different financial aid options at the school? I would think with a combination of grants, loans and perhaps work study you might be able to get the price tag down.</p>
<p>Ned,
Good to see someone else who was in this bind. Ultimately, I would like to remain out West, so maybe USC is worth it. How do people in California view public schools from cross-country, like UGA (because when I moved here I didn't think it deserved much attention)?</p>
<p>Why don't you apply to USC and then see if you get any merit or financial aid?
USC does give some excellent merit aid to top candidates as well as good financial aid to those who really need it. See if you get into USC and then compare the bottom line.</p>
<p>As mdcissp said, if you have FA need the cost of attending USC will be close to your EFC. Depending on your financial situation, this may not exceed what you would pay to attend UGA by much.</p>
<p>If your EFC is high, prepare yourself as best as you can for the PSAT. USC will give all NMFs an automatic 1/2 tuition scholarship, which over 4 years adds up to A LOT of money. I am not sure how this plays with FA.</p>
<p>When my son applied, my husband was a little freaked out because USC was so expensive. As it turns out, with the merit scholarship he got, we couldn't afford to turn USC down over UC Berkeley (the most expensive UC). If you want to attend, then apply and see how the money shakes out. Good luck.</p>