Menezes Sousa

Hi I am in a really big dilemma. I need to choose between University of Southern California and University of Minnesota, Twin Cities for a MS in CS program. I am also looking to specialize in ML/NLP/Computational Linguistics. I have done a lot of internet research but I haven't been able to find an answer that satisfies me. This is what I know so far: USC is ranked higher on nearly all ranking websites. It has a great location, especially for CS guys like myself. However, I've heard that the student quality is not that great in this top ranked university, which is difficult for me to imagine. Also, it is extremely expensive and TA/RA options are slim. However, there is one really impressive professor (whose name I will withold) who will definitely admit me into his research group from Semester 1. This professor is quite well known and is the main reason why I am so attracted to USC. However, he has said that at least the first semester will be unpaid research work. I am unsure from when I can/will get paid. On the other hand, everyone I ask, tells me UMN is a better school. Thus, I don't understand why its rank is so much lower than USC. Yes, the location is not great and the weather is pathetic but the school is apparently very good. Also, another huge plus is the low fee structure. The student quality is also supposed to be better here, and it is apparently tougher to get into. TA/RA here seems possible and I think from second year onwards, I shall be able to pay for myself and be in a financially self-sufficient situation. So, this is the dilemma - Should it be USC or UMN? Please help me guys! Thanks