<p>When I was your age I had a similar decision. I was a Pell, SEOG, etc grant recipient accepted to Northwestern but it required me to also take $2000 in loans each year. I did not have full scholarship to our state flagship but it was so cheap that no loans were necessary.</p>
<p>I took the loans and went to Norhwestern. I, like you, wanted to get out of my rural state and explore new places, meet people from all over the country, etc etc. It was worth it just for that experience alone. I wish you luck.</p>