Wow, I wish I would have logged onto SDN sooner to help ppl who are in this "predicament" out. My apologies, I haven't logged onto SDN since pharmacy school started.
I was in this situation 7 months ago having been accepted to USC and UOP and having to choose between the two.
I chose UOP and ended up where I am today, Stockton, CA. I did it almost solely because of cost and practical economics.
1. Tuition fee is lower (although it just increased by $1000/semester this year and i'm certain it will continue next year, dont they ever stop?)
2. Fees, parking, etc. Example: parking is $75 per yr at Uop, USC is $600/yr i believe.
3. Lower costs of living in Stockton. 2bd apt in stockton is around $850, or you can rent out a 3-4bd room home for about 1300-1500. There is school during summer so you wont have to forfeit rent like you would at USC during summers to hold your spot.
4. 3-yr program = 1 yr opportunity cost in favor of UOP, could cost $120K!
5. There are rotation sites in Socal where I live (granted it really depends on luck of the draw) so I can stay in Stockton for only 2 yrs exact and hopefully do my rotations at home.
Those were basically the reasons why I chose UOP and I think they've held up.
Now, if you want to talk about the experience and quality of education between the two, thats another story. Hands down, you WILL get a better education at USC. I think UOP's curriculum is subpar, although they are revamping the curriculum for next yr's incoming class (lucky them). I probably shouldnt discuss too much detail here, but if you want more information, feel free to PM me.
The student body of your class at UOP is going to be made up of : half transfer just like you and the other half are from the pre-pharmacy advantage program. It is a very clicky school. More details if you PM me.
In summary, it depends on what you want.
Better experience and better education = USC
Economically = UOP
In the end, a PharmD will be a PharmD, so that why I made the decision I made.
A whole other story: if the interest rate for loans was 2-3% like they almost have always been, I might not have worried too much about cost, since its inflation rate anyway. Funny how 8 yrs have changed that and its a staggering fixed 6.8% now and 8% for grad plus loans. Who do we blame for that
Feel free to PM if you have further questions.