washableglue

For Pomona, I have to pay basically the full sticker price and for USC, I only have to pay for room and board. Which should I pick?

Undecided_13

It is definitely hard to pass up USC when dealing with the money...I have to choose between pomona and USC right now as well...and I am going to be a bio major so I am leaning toward USC. Pomona is a great school, but USC seems like there would be much more opportunity...Good luck with your decision

liek0806

If money is an issue, as in your parents will have to change their lifestyles greatly just to send you to Pomona, go to USC.

If you personally have to get into loans more than 60K in total just to attend Pomona, it's not really worth it, unless you personally NEED the smaller environment, and would absolutely hate not be happy at USC.

I don't know what your major is, but I'm pretty sure USC will be strong in any major they have to offer, and the network that comes with USC will trump Pomona for job prospects upon graduation.

PS Have you tried sending Pomona a copy of your financial aid award letter from USC, and explaining that you would really love to attend Pomona as its your top choice, but what's stopping you is the financial aid. Present your circumstances, and why it would be a detriment for your family to get into full cost debt for Pomona.

brassmonkey

Talk to financial aid at Pomona (and do it quickly), tell them that despite the difference you are still on the fence. They may review your file and be able to make things work out for you.

chopsticks3092

From the OP's post, it seems that the cost difference is not due to financial aid, but rather merit scholarships. In this case, I'm not sure how much Pomona could do since the College does not offer any merit scholarships.

washableglue - Pomona and USC are two VERY different schools. Money aside, which environment would you pick? Money included, which school would you regret NOT going to?

bullwinkle

well there is a huge money difference there so if that makes a difference, I think that makes your decision, but if not so much of an issue, these schools could not be more different.

At its basics, Pomona is a very small school, no grad students/TA's, very personal touch if you will. Everyone lives on campus, no greek system, no big time sports. Suburban setting with 'quaint" village atmosphere.

USC is large school, lots of grad student/ta's and large classes, Big time sports, big time greek system. Limited on campus housing, large commuter element to the school.

I went to USC, my son to Pomona. If money isn't an issue I'd pick Pomona every time. 6 football games a year with the trojans isn't enough to sell me on SC when Pomona is as great and intimate an undergrad experience you could imagine.