<p>I know nada about USC, but I know a bit about some big state schools that have courted smart kids. It can work out very well - sometimes the schools will be very flexible about the tedious things like class prereqs, and find ways to help the bright kids find each other (special dorms and such). I’ve known some smart kids for whom it worked very well, others not so well. If your son is the sort that would find the good profs and the good classes, and who may need the big bucks later for grad school, I’d at least consider USC.</p>