I lived in SoCal and had many friends in the industry. Being there matters. Connections matter. USC matters.

the math/informatics emphasis at CMU is likely going to be more helpful to you in the job market.

Thank you everyone for your feedback.

CMU

Much stronger in tech which is needed in every field now.

You probably won't make the money back in field you want to work in for many years but there isn't many larger markets than LA even though USC is in a crappy area.

It sounds like you would get a lot more support at CMU, and perhaps experience growth strength in your area of weakness (quantitative analysis). USC program is desirable by the location, but sounds overextended. I am not working in the area and base it on your descriptions only.

On the other hand, surely nicer weather in California.

OP again... I probably should mention that I have zero debt and enough savings to cover all costs of living for the 2 years outside of the cost of attendance, which I would take as loans (50/50 subsidized and unsubsidized).

To answer the question about job placement - both have a good track record of graduate placement within the industry within the first year (90+%).

Will you be going into debt for this or paying upfront?

Wow - with that much $$ invested, I would look at employment placement. Which school has better job placement? They're both great schools so I'd be thinking about the money. $45K is a big difference, but if USC offers better connections to jobs (don't know if they do), it may be worth the extra cost.

Best of luck! My DC is headed to UCLA for undergrad this fall (hopefully!!) and can't wait to be in LA.

OP here, maybe I didn’t make it clear... I am looking for input. Any comments, suggestions, recommendations, additional things I should be considering?

The cost of the programs is about the same ~ $150k for 2 years, both programs have excellent employment outcomes.

CMU Heinz College - Masters Entertainment Industry Management - about 30% funded through 2 separate scholarships. Pros - closer to home/support system, one of the scholarships is through Posse and they provide additional resources/support (I was a Posse scholar for undergrad so I have an existing relationship with the program), second year is in LA, which in ultimately where I want to be. Cons - Entire program is not in LA, program is math/informatics intensive (Not my strength)

USC Annenberg - Masters of Communications Management (Entertainment & Media focus) - 0 funding. Pros - entire program in LA, program is new media/globalization focused (more my strength). Cons - while my program is on campus, there is an ‘equivalent’ online program, Entire program is in LA... moving across the country right now seems risky, very little support system.

This is a huge financial and time/effort commitment, and I want to make sure I am making the best choice. I will work at least part-time, the entire time I am in school. I really want to go to LA, but everyone keeps pointing out that right now that is very risky as well as the funding difference.