Best Options for Journalism Major, HELP !?!?

<p>I'm a rising junior at my high school in Maryland. My parents both want me to go to University of Maryland: College Park. Both my mom and dad work at University of Maryland hospital and would get tuition reimbursement (i'd basically go for free) if I went there. However, I'm much more interested in Northwestern, University of Florida, UNC Chapel Hill, and Syracuse. </p>

<p>I know that University of Maryland: College Park is a top journalism school in the nation, however, other colleges (like Northwestern) are usually considered to be better. Would it be smarter for me in the long-run to go to University of Maryland for nearly no cost, or attend another, more prestigious journalism university at a much higher cost??? Also, for colleges like Vanderbilt and UVA that don't offer a Journalism major, is there an alternative that also benefits aspiring journalists??? </p>

<p>Thanks !!!</p>

<p>I think it is smarter to go to UMD… but what are your stats, ECs anyway?</p>