University of Southern California VS Umass Amherst for B.S in CS?

Hello,

I’m looking to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I spent 2 semesters in a community college and applied to Umass Amherst and USC(Southern California). I got in Umass as a member of honors college for this fall and in USC as a spring admit (Starting in January). In your opinion which college is better for a B.S in Computer Science? I’m currently considering working for a few years after getting my B.S. and exploring different fields of CS before getting a master so strength of graduate program is not really a factor especially since I want my B.S. and M.S. to be from different colleges anyway. In terms of financial aid, if we assume that the current offer from both colleges holds until I finish my degree, I will pay a total of $22,500 (all federal loans) for Umass and $49,605 ($23,125 federal loans) for USC. Again, these numbers are an estimation based on the assumption that neither college will adjust my aid over the 3 years I have left (or 2 years and 1 semester in USC). So, do you think I should stay in Umass Amherst or transfer to USC after a semester in Umass?
If you attended USC can you explain your experience about the school and/or problems transfer students face?

Thank you.

While USC is stronger overall UMass is better for computer science.

The most renowned major @ UMass is Computer Science, so it definitely is a good program. I do not have much to say about USC’s program.

Overall, I hate Massachusetts, so I would choose USC in a heartbeat, but that’s just my personal preference. The main UMass campus is disgusting; I have never seen the honors commonwealth college, but I have been told it is nicer. If you plan on attending graduate school, I would go with the cheaper option, but that’s just me.

Thank you for your response. However, can you please elaborate on your answer. What qualities makes USC stronger or Umass better overall. I personally think the network that USC offers for CS in addition to it’s location may be beneficial in the long run. I’d like to know what you think.

I believe that you came here looking for confirmation of a decision that you have already made: to attend USC.

I’m a bit dense when it comes to certain aspects of college financing, but why are you paying $26,480 out of pocket for USC, while financing ALL ($22,500) of UMass cost thru student loans? Asked another way: why are you willing to spend $26K out of pocket for USC and $0 for UMass? The $26K OOP cost that is allocated for USC, could more than cover the potential loans at UMass…what I’m I missing here?

@Jamrock411 thank you for your response and sorry if my description wasn’t clear. What I meant to say was that if I stayed in umass and my financial aid did not change, I would not have to pay any money out of pocket because after all loans and grants are applied, my due balance is 0. In case of USC I get around $25000 in grants. Federal loans and work study add up to an additional $4000 which leaves around $5200 that I must pay whether directly or through private loans. I hope this explanation helped.

So if the cost is negligible to you, why did you even mention it? You seem to like USC more overall, just by your protection of it XD. I cannot blame you. Massachusetts is so boring, and the people…

Just know that the downside of USC is its location in L.A. Pico-Union is one of the most notorious areas of L.A. If you like getting off campus, a car is almost a necessity! Worcester (MA) is not so pretty either, but definitely not as dangerous.

Pico-Union is a few miles north of USC. It is true that USC does not have the best neighborhood surrounding it, especially west and south of campus. But security is heavy and if you dorm on campus or live in apartments north or immediately west you are fine.

My son loves USC and is a rising Junior. He also looked at colleges in the Boston area. The weather, Trojan network and location are all strengths for USC. We have also found the financial aid to be more generous than expected. BTW My son was also a Spring admit, although a Freshman and not a transfer like you. It was a non issue after being there for 2-3 weeks.

Thanks you everyone for your response. The only concern that I have for USC is money and the fact that I would start in the spring. I will not hide the fact that I want to go to USC but accumulating that much debt in addition to adjusting to a community that will be well established by the time I transfer is what scares me.