Duke v. Vanderbilt?

I got admitted to both Duke University and Vanderbilt University RD, but with a full tuition merit scholarship (44K/yr, +6K for summer research) to Vandy. But for some reason, something about Vanderbilt just seems a little off to me. I have no clue what it is or why I even feel this way, but I just don’t feel like I would be happy there. I’m an Asian female (the white stereotypes at Vandy could have something to do with that, founded or unfounded), intended major Econ/Public Policy/Math, potentially switching to Civil/Environmental Engineering. My family is relatively wealthy, and we wouldn’t have a lot of problems paying for Duke at full tuition. I don’t really thrive off the party scene but I do tentatively plan to rush. My biggest factor in a school is how the community will fit-- I want to be with people who are engaged, excited, and passionate to be there. With that said, I really prefer the academic reputation of Duke to that of Vanderbilt, and I feel like the student body at Duke would better fit my preferences. But would these marginal differences be worth 44K/year? What do you guys think I should do? Any insights about either of the schools would be greatly appreciated!

Go to Vandy and save the money.

Congratulations on two excellent alternatives!

All things being equal, would definitely choose Duke. Vanderbilt + $200k in merit aid is compelling unless you have a strong fit preference and your family will not suffer financially. Visit both again and see if you can get more comfortable with Vandy.

I would absolutely take the full tuition scholarship at Vanderbilt and not look back. The schools are comparable as far as academics and reputation go, and $160K+ is nothing to sneeze at.

I don’t think the marginal differences are worth it - I’m not sure what you think the difference is in the academic reputation of Vanderbilt vs. Duke. They are very similar in that regard. Duke may have slightly more name recognition, but not $160,000’s worth of more name recognition. Vanderbilt’s students are also very competitive and a selective bunch, so I doubt there will be palpable differences in the engagement, excitement, and passion of the Vanderbilt student body vs. the Duke student body.

Plus $6,000 for summer research is a nice bonus benefit. It gives you the flexibility to work with any professor you might want to do research with, not just a professor who has a grant to support you on.

Ditto. Vandy and ask parents to fund you for grad school. Visited with my son and it’s a beautiful campus with great facilities. Great social life. Call admissions office and ask if there’s an Asian student or econ student or whoever so you can get some info from a student youi’d like to connect with to allay your fears.
Very hard to switch from Econ, etc to Engineering without being there an extra year. Call admissions and ask if it’s possible to start in Engineering at both places. Entrance requirements for Engineering are usually different.
Or maybe they have a way for you to be a Physics major and take all but one or two of the required engineering courses. TIme to settle that question at both places.
GREAT spot to be in! COngrats on 2 great acceptances.

Take the money and run!

Go to Vanderbilt! C’mon, you know that is the smarter choice here.