The worst thing is not getting rejected from a dream school. It’s getting accepted. Quite often kids get so excited, that they don’t do any research to find out that it’s too expensive, or is not a good fit. If I have a “dream” of owning a Ford SUV, I’m going to buy a Ford SUV. That doesn’t mean the Ford SUV is the best car, or even a good car for me. I might find a Toyota at a better price. The SUV might be out of my price range. I might find out that midsize car works better for me instead of an SUV. It would be a lot worse if I bought the Ford SUV and found out that it wasn’t a good choice. Now I’m stuck with it.
Choosing a college is no different. You have to shop around with an open mind. With lower income, you might want to consider scholarships too. USC may or may not give the financial aid you’re looking for.