<p>With the OPs stats he has a good shot at the Full Tuition scholarship that USC offers, and that makes it as affordable as an instate public, especially if the son wants to get out of the Midwest. In addition, USC has an incredibly affordable FA program. There is no harm in trying.
OP here is a link to USC calculator
[USC</a> Financial Aid - Planning for USC](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/applying_receiving/undergraduates2/netpricecalculator.html]USC”>http://www.usc.edu/admission/fa/applying_receiving/undergraduates2/netpricecalculator.html)</p>