<p>Rice University has been my top pick since Sophmore year when I first heard it mentioned. I'm in love with the Core, the Honors System, Residential Colleges, and overall feel of the campus. I love the rigor of the courses and the student to teacher ratio. My only problem is the tuition. Even with financial aid, my family and I are going to have an incredibly difficult time paying for books, tuition, room and board, etc. My top-pick safety is Baylor and I've recieved a nice financial package. Although I don't know nearly as much about Baylor, I have very few objections to it. My question is: should I shoulder the financial burden of Rice for the stellar education, or go with Baylor and save my money up for grad school?</p>
<p>Have you already recieved your financial aid package from Rice? They are usually very generous with need-based aid. </p>
<p>Also, have you visited Baylor? If you don't like the atmosphere, it will be a LONG four years.</p>
<p>Baylor has a stellar education as well. Many professors from Ivies and other tops have come down to Waco for one reason, the chance to teach in a faith based environment. It all depends on what field ur going into and how big u want ur college to be. Baylors a lot bigger than rice. But Rice has Houston of course</p>
<p>If you aren't Baptist or open to evangelists, don't go to Baylor. Rice is 20X better academically than Baylor and may be worth the extra student loans to you, but that's your decision.</p>
<p>Luziannebell, I usually recommend the financially sensible option, but in this case, I recommend Rice. Of course, if Baylor ends up costing you $0 and Rice costs $80,000 over 4 years, go to Baylor. But if we are talking about a $25,000 or $30,000 difference over 4 years, I would recommend you go to Rice.</p>