Would I like Columbia? Would I like Pomona?

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<p>The University of Southern California and Duke are selective schools with marching bands in warm weather states, not too far from oceans (especially USC). For what the OP says she wants, either one might be a better fit than Pomona or Columbia. According to Kiplinger’s, about 25% of USC students get merit aid (averaging over $17K per grant). That is much more merit aid than most top ~25 universities grant (although much of it may be going to athletic scholarships). USC also is a bit less selective than Pomona.</p>