Golden Gate University or San Jose State University or University of Southern California (Los Angeles: top schools, salary)

[spsone07]

I was recently accepted into an accounting graduate program at Golden Gate University, San Jose State University, and University of Southern California. I plan on moving to either San Francisco, San Jose, or Los Angeles. I am originally from Connecticut. So I am planning to move to these locations for a career change and to get out of the Northeast. I was wondering what would you do if you were in my shoes. All of these programs I will have to pay out of my own pocket and I plan on living in California for 3-5 years. Also, i am currently single and having a hard time meeting women in suburban Connecticut.

[botticelli]

USC accounting is top notch. I have never heard about the other two.
Can't be a serious question.

[spsone07]

USC definitely has the best prestige from the schools I listed, but I am questioning the extra 70k of student debt that I am going to put myself through to get into USC. The degree is to help me get into the big 4 for tax, GGU's taxation program is well respected (this program is actually ranked higher than USC believe it or not), SJSU is also well recruited by the Big 4. So why would I pay more money to have an USC degree if my goal is to get into the Big 4.

[clongirl]

Originally Posted by botticelli

USC accounting is top notch. I have never heard about the other two.
Can't be a serious question.

... Yeah, but it's also rated one of the top schools for extremely high student debt. Something to seriously consider.

[Matadora]

Originally Posted by spsone07

So why would I pay more money to have an USC degree if my goal is to get into the Big 4.

Tell us then, why would you?

[spsone07]

To add more insight to my situation:
Cost + Living Expense
USC: 48K tuition + 20k Living Expense
GGU: 32K tuition + 5k living Expense
SJSU: 19k tuition + 20k living expense
Main reason why my living expense is cheaper at GGU is because my friend is letting me crash at his place for free and I do not need a car to live in San Francisco.

Total cost is something I am considering, career prospect is another category, and quality of living. All three programs will help met get into the big 4. What would you do?

[spsone07]

Originally Posted by Matadora

Tell us then, why would you?

USC is an option because you can't beat the network, I was more responding to a comment that didn't really consider the value of the other two programs. I am wondering how is living in LA is different than living in SF or SJ. In reality, the starting salary are pretty similar, low 50's first year out of the program. From what I read, 7-10% annual raises are common for public accountants with major boosts with a CPA. Money isn't everything, where I am considering quality of life. That's why i am asking the question about all three locations.

[Matadora]

Originally Posted by spsone07

USC is an option because you can't beat the network, I was more responding to a comment that didn't really consider the value of the other two programs. I am wondering how is living in LA is different than living in SF or SJ. In reality, the starting salary are pretty similar, low 50's first year out of the program. From what I read, 7-10% annual raises are common for public accountants with major boosts with a CPA. Money isn't everything, where I am considering quality of life. That's why i am asking the question about all three locations.

SJ would be my last choice.

I would pick LA over SF for USC vs. GGU.

You can find a good quality of life in LA easily.

[tanglenet]

SJ State will have residency requirements as a state school and thus should be higher until residency is met. USC and Golden Gate are private so the fees should be accurate. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[bmw335xi]

Are you joking? USC is a top tier university while the others are one notch above community college. If you can get accepted into USC, why even spend 1 second considering the other two.