@adalayde: Most important, sincere CONGRATULATIONS on acceptances to two stellar universities.
College is one of the most formative and maturing phases of life. For 95+ percent of us – including many with great professional careers and with “elite” educations – the necessity of making financial trade-offs is adult reality. I appreciate the fact this this choice is VERY important to you and that you’ve earned that Brown admission. However, in not too many years, you ardently want a BMW, but your finances will require to “accept” a Honda (great car, by the way). And that is my overriding point . . . you’re incredibly fortunate because you may have to “settle” for UCB, not for East Swampy State College. I’m not saying you should axiomatically forego your Brown plans – not at all – but I am suggesting that you backup is truly excellent, which really is the appropriate way to consider your dilemma.