<p>Stanford will not budge when it comes to merit aid. You might be able to get them to cough up some financial aid in very special circumstances, but merit scholarship is only for athletes. </p>
<p>With that being said, you still might have a tough choice on your hand.
Questions you want to ask your self in this specific order:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>how much is that $250,000 to your family? If it’s chump change, then go to Stanford. however, If this is a significant amount of cost for your family, then I would really consider USC. </p></li>
<li><p>What area is your son interested in studying? Stanford has BY FAR a much stronger engineering and especially Computer science program. However, USC has a much better journalism and performance arts program. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>If your son plans on doing computer science, the 250,000 investment of Stanford CS over USC CS should pay for itself in less than 10 years after he graduates (on average)</p>
<ol>
<li>2. What are you planning to do with your degree? Are you trying to go to professional school after you graduate? If so, then there is really no “prestige” difference in the two schools. </li>
</ol>
<p>Also, note special degree programs such as Co-terming (a BS/MS or BA/MA program) which can potentially save a lot of money (~120,000) for a masters program at a top elite school if your son can finish it in 4 years. (normally it takes 5 years)</p>
<p>I hope these guiding questions will help you answer that tough question. If you have any questions regarding the things I mentioned, feel free to ask for more details. </p>