<p>We finally have all the financial aid/scholarship information for both USC and UNC Chapel Hill and based on each school's COA and aid/scholarships offered, USC will cost our family about $10,000 more for this first year. This includes about $6000 in grants based on our income so we recognize that this grant may disappear next year if our income increases.</p>
<p>At Chapel Hill, however, we received no financial aid, just $3500 a year worth of scholarships.</p>
<p>USC is my son's dream school. He wants to major in Computer Science, minor in Film production, and study/possibly minor in Japanese. </p>
<p>UNC has computer science, but no engineering school, whereas at USC, CS is in the Engineering School, which means if he wants to change to another engineering discipline, he can at USC but not at UNC. (I don't think he will, but it is nice to know that option is there.)</p>
<p>Also, Film Production at UNC would be bare bones. </p>
<p>So my question is directed to parents, and current/former students at USC. Is the USC experience worth an extra $10,000 the first year and potentially more in subsequent years?</p>
<p>Keep in mind for those that don't know UNC, that it is ranked #5 of public school in the US News rankings. I appreciate any comments/advise! This is our first of two children to send to college and I want our family to make the right decision for our son. </p>
<p>Please note that location is NOT a factor for us. Even though we live in NC now, both kids were born and partially raised in the Bay Area. I currently work in the Bay Area one week every month, so California is no stranger to us!</p>
<p>Thanks to Alamemom and Georgia Girl for all their help already!</p>