Honors Program or Scholarship money? decision torn between two

<p>Hey!
I need advise from you guys regarding Honors Programs ad their contribution to an Undergrad student. I have been accepted to 2 in-state Universities; 1 of them being the flagship. The flagship university gave me a scholarship that would cover board, tuition, and meal which leaves my parents paying $5,500 per year. However, I didn't get into the Honors Program there. The other university didn't give me much scholarship and my parents would have to pay about $15,000 per year. If I were to not do boarding and meal ( basically be a commuting student) then my parents would pay about $6,500. However, this particular university offers the Honors Program. Should I choose the college that is giving me the Honors Program but less scholarship money or should I choose the college that is giving me more scholarship money but no Honors entry. Plus, the college that I didn't get the Honors Program said that If i had strong GPA and good essay written during my fall semester, I would be accepted to Honors during my sophomore year. Last year, 80%-90% people got in Honors who applied during their fall semester. So..what do you guys advise. Sorry for the LONG message. Thanks!!</p>

<p>Not sure why you would not want to go to the flagship. One it is cheaper and two there are other smarter people on campus. I am not sure why your flagship is cheaper than your non flagship. Don’t take a college based on being in honors. Most people get better merit from the other state colleges and get offered honors to draw them away from the flagship. Most kids want to go to the best the state has to offer and that is usually the flagship.</p>

<p>What are the schools?</p>

<p>Calling something honors only means that they have some specific priorities being given to those students. You need to evaluate what those are and whether they give you 10k value. </p>

<p>Unless it is quantifiable in terms of separate classes, smaller classes tied to specific other types of benefits like automatic research opportunities which might be valuable to you, it becomes meaningless. </p>

<p>Things like do they have much better recruitment at the college with the honors program for the honors program can make a difference. It is still a big trade off to pay an extra 10k.</p>