<p>So I was admitted into Duke University...however, I was also offered the Regents' Scholarship at our state college, the University of New Mexico. The scholarship is basically worth $15,300 per year, and cover full tuition, room and board, and everything else. Duke is offering me about $23,000 per year in aid...which basically means my parents have to pay $29,000 per year. However, they can afford to pay only about $8,000 of that, leaving me with $20,000 in private loans per year, plus $5,000 in loans that are included as part of the Duke financial aid package...bringing me to a to a total debt of $100,000 after college ends, whereas with UNM will leave me with $0 debt.</p>
<p>Duke is an IMMENSELY better school with WAY better opportunities...is it worth the debt, when I can go to UNM for free? Please advise me, because I am struggling to make this decision. Thanks to everyone who contributes.</p>