My son went to USC undergrad and grad. It is 5 minutes from where the Lakers play. Downtown has become a new place to live with good restaurants. It is a really nice campus. Yes for the alumni base and connections. Syracuse doesn't come close, and I am someone who was involved for years with SU alumni relations in a volunteer position. The light rail (built and opened right after my son graduated) takes you to Culver City and Long beach. Both have a great vibe, restaurants etc. Personally, I have been worried about USC from day 1. Oh, and there is that weather thing...