<p>Background: I've been accepted to Case Western and Brandeis with a few thousand less than full tuition in merit aid, to Wellesley with 13K in financial aid, the University of Chicago with no financial or merit aid, and two other universities with merit aid that I've edged out of the running. Essentially the battle wages on between UChicago, Wellesley, and Brandeis.</p>
<p>Interest: I want to study econ, public policy, political science, public health, international relations, or the social sciences.</p>
<p>UChicago Brief Analysis: I adore everything about Chicago (besides the roughly 50K a year price), and realize that few degrees are as marketable as an econ B.S. from its top-ranked department. I crave the intellect and intensity of the student body more than anything else, in addition to the gorgeous campus and dorms. Chicago excels in almost every subject I have ever considered. My mom is slightly worried about the intense workload here; I know I would have to work hard. Lots of diversity and I love Chicago, which offers many direct flights home (my mom's favorite point).</p>
<p>Wellesley Brief Analysis: Wellesley has a breathtaking campus and intellectual student body, but without the special curiosity and intensity unique to Chicago. It's also 15K less than UChic per year. They have cross-registration with MIT and amazing professors, and the all-girls thing is not a huge deal (though I don't like their community bathrooms and small rooms). I understand the Wellesley name has considerable prestige (and its in Boston). Lots of diversity.</p>
<p>Brandeis Brief Analysis: Rounding out the top three, Brandeis will require no loans and I should be able to take it a little easier academically. They have a reputable health policy program and several famous professors (social policy is excellent here as well). Small classes, proximity to Boston, and lots of merit aid set this college apart. However I'm worried about the community bathrooms and cramped housing, the few larger class sizes in the first year, and less-intense or intellectually curious students. I have no problem with the large Jewish population, but there's not tons of diversity on campus, and the buildings are not in wondrous condition. </p>
<p>Questions: Is paying back a $120K loan for Chicago (probably with a econ degree) feasible, even if I have to postpone grad school to pay off my dream education? (aka will the lower living cost but similar pay in chicago compared to boston and the prestigious UC degree allow me to pay off my loans in a reasonable time frame?)
Should I take the more moderate $50K in loans at the similarly well-reputed Wellesley?
Or should I take on no loans and go to Brandeis, which is also an excellent school? (aka should I compromise a few small preferences to save a lot of money but pass up the spectacular Chicago experience? or even the unique Wellesley one?)</p>
<p>............I'd appreciate any advice, insights, or comments</p>