<p>No doubt USC is an expensive school. However, looking at the list it appears it is 7th on the list behind GWU, Carnegie Mellon, Richmond, NYU, Georgetown, and Rensselaer. The tuition tuition is also within $500 of Lehigh, Villanova, Wharton, BC, and WUSTL. So while very expensive, it isn’t way over the top. And more than 60% of students are on financial aid.</p>
<p>In regards to UT-Austin, that would be a great choice if you are in state. Possible reasons to consider 'SC are if you get good financial aid, want to live on the West Coast, weather (as you mentioned), and the fact that it’s slightly more selective.</p>