Considering graduate school at USC... (Columbia: high crime, unemployment rate, universities)

[omckenzie710]

I'm considering applying to USC for graduate school. I'm from Toledo, OH and although I've never been to South Carolina, I think I would love it. I love every idea of southern living and I also love th east coast. I am also thinking about applying to Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA), University of Texas, University of Conneticut, and Ohio State University. Toledo is just a horrible city with nothing to offer... no jobs, no scenery, and it is just turning into trash... basically, Toledo is Detroit's younger brother.
I'm just wondering what Columbia is like. Is it a nice city for students? Are there jobs available? Is it expensive? What are the people like? High crime?
Any advice would be helpful!
Thanks!

[waccamatt]

Columbia is a great city for students. In addition to USC, there are 6 other colleges and universities in the city and a very young average population. The cost of living is low and, while the unemployment rate is relatively high right now, it's about the same as the national average. There are plenty of low-crime areas, but like any relatively large city there are areas to avoid, too. Hopefully you'll be able to visit. In the meantime, I have a lot of Columbia photos on my website, which is linked in my profile.