Better education vs Happiness?

<p>Ok I know these two schools are completely different, but please hear me out.
I'm a Miami native, not a fan of the city life though. And I absolutely love Boone.
I was accepted to UM's College of Engineering, and App State's pre-engineering program.
If I go to UM: I'll probably just start and finish there. Or possibly transfer to MIT.
If I go to App State: I'll do two years of pre-eng and then transfer to another school. But what are my chances of being accepted into MIT, VT, or another good tech school? Would UM even bother accepting me as a transfer student? </p>

<p>My whole purpose for going to App State is to spend a little time away from home (it's pretty hectic) and to hopefully grow up and discover myself. I also go to Boone a lot and I always feel right at home there. Although App isn't as prestigious as UM, I've heard great things about it. </p>

<p>Academically, UM is better. But I feel App is good too. Does anyone have any opinions, suggestions, personal experiences, etc about these two schools? What about their engineering programs?</p>

<p>It generally does not make sense to go to a four year school that does not have your intended major. Nor does it generally make sense to go to a four year school with intent to transfer, unless it costs less than a community college.</p>