CU Boulder vs USC

So for me CU Boulder and USC (Uni of Southern Cali) are the same price, however my mom is very keen on me going to boulder bc it's closer to home (as someone who lives in denver). She said that both are academically equal, and just wanted to verify if that is true!

Anyways, basically just need anyone who knows anything to help me compare and contrast the pros and cons of CU Boulder and USC, literally anything you think would be helpful in choosing one over the other 🙏🙏 THANKS