I’m having a really hard time making a choice on which college to attend! I have been accepted to these three universities. I have always wanted to get out of the cold, midwest for college and spend these four years exploring another part of the country. I have always wanted to go to a warm school far from home, but when I was directly admitted to the Kelley School of business at Indiana I knew it was a great offer. I’m just torn because outside of education UGA has everything I want in a school, except I am unsure about its quality of education and repuation in the north. I am afraid if I go to UGA I will only get jobs in the south and never be able to move back to Chicago. UGA is not popular in Chicago/ don’t know anyone who has graduated from there. SMU on the other hand I know has a great repuation in Chicago, and I know a lot of people who went there and work in Chicago. I feel like everyone that comes out of SMU has amazing jobs!! I’m just unsure about the size (socially), price tag and potential snobby people. Graduating from IU looks amazing in Chicago but then I will go to a cold school close to home with a ton of people I know. UGA is 31k, IU is 38k and SMU 49k with scholarships recieved. The b-schools are ranked IU>SMU>UGA. What would you chose? I feel like my future would be much bighter going to IU or SMU but I don’t know if i’m being ridiculous.
First, you aren’t being ridiculous. You seem to be considering your college choice from multiple angles like an adult. You realize you need to consider your priorities and future goals. This requires honest self-reflection and perhaps a little more research. Talk with a lot of people. You’d be surprised where you can get valuable input.
Coming to a message board is great, but I would encourage you to also talk with people who know you and whose opinion/experiences may assist you. That said I will still chip in my opinion. 
So, if you were my child I would rule out UGA. I personally don’t know anything about the school, but your comment that it has ‘everything except the education you want’ is a big red flag to me.
That leaves IU and SMU. Over 4 years there is a $44K difference, not including travel expenses. I don’t know you personally and have no knowledge about your financial situation, but that is not an inconsequential difference in my opinion. I think those dollars could be spent toward the fun, warm weather experiences you crave. There are always study abroad programs and other options available for those who seek out these opportunities.
But as a parent I wouldn’t want my child to make their college decision based completely on money. I would have them look at as many things as possible…things that will impact them immediately (what is campus life like there and what AP credits are accepted) to more long term goals (job placement and alumni networks).
Lastly, I would make a campus visit to each school before making your decision. Schedule a couple of days where you can explore the campus and perhaps even “shadow” a student to a couple of classes. Fit is really important in my opinion. Spending time at your prospective schools, where you can imagine yourself living/studying there can be invaluable.
Best of luck!
Let me help you out from a different perspective.
IU and UGA = Public
SMU = Private
This define one huge factor, social class.
Compare to public schools,private schools tend to have more students from wealthy(higher social class) family.
For field like business connection is pretty much everything to help you land your job, and kids from wealthy family have better and more useful connection.
IU has a huge alumni base, it’s by far the best business school, and it’s 44k cheaper than SMU. I think that’s and easy choice. Private universities usually offer way more financial assistance than public schools which makes it more affordable in the short term.
Hello, I am from the northeast and and know kids from our high school in all 3 of these schools…they are all worthy…you need to decide what is right for you. My daughter started at IU this year and I am very impressed with the number of professional connections that she has already made through Kelley, even as a freshman. I would consider our social class equal to those we know at the other schools mentioned. You will find wealthy folks at all 3 of these schools - finding the right fit for the student is the most important thing to consider.
@scrabblemomb thanks! I think that’s what I needed to hear. At the end of the day it’s how much effort you put in and your grades that count, I guess. I think I’m down to UGA and IU because of cost. Visiting them both.