George Washington or American

[hbsterling]

I have narrowed down my college selection down to these two, and I plan on majoring in political science… I was guaranteed 20k for up to 5 years at GW and 8k at American for 4 years. If I do not include loans then my financial aid (including work study and grants) for GW is about 42k and American is about 40k. The estimated costs for GW is about 70k and American is about 63k. Also, my mom recently got a higher paying job and that was not reflected in this year’s FAFSA. I also plan to try to live with my aunt after freshman year and she lives near the Potomac ave metro. I liked how GW was really close to everything in the city and I hear it is ranked higher than American. The dorms are nicer, and it has a superior library. There is no dining hall as part of the meal plan, but I think I can get passed that. The study abroad is more money and fewer options and I am planning to study abroad. I really want to join the bands, pep, symphonic and orchestra, and I was also wondering how the directors at both are. I grew up in the suburbs/rural but I am willing to try the urban life. American has free metro built into its transportation expense, but I hear that GW will start a program like the one at American soon. I went to visit the schools back in October and I saw GW first, not the mount Vernon campus, and I really enjoyed it. When I went to American the school seemed secluded from everywhere and small. I am leaning towards GW, but am I leaning the wrong way? Is the financial gap significant enough for me to go to American? My goal in college is to go to graduate school and get a good job coming straight out of college. I hear that the alumni network at GW is really good for connections and jobs in the city. I really hope to explore the city and all the things it has to offer. I need to go to the college that will give me the best opportunities to prepare me for the working life. Any info on which school I should choose would be very helpful.