<p>Not to pressure you one way or the other, but your math is a bit off. If your family can pay $10,000 out of pocket to send you to MSU, then they can also contribute that towards Allegheny. If you get the maximum merit award and your expected to pay $17K / year, your debt is really only going to be about $7K a year. Not great, but not insurmountable. If you get yourself a decent summer job, you can earn $3-4 K which knocks it down a bit further. Do work study on campus to meet your daily expenses at school.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if you are really worried about the expenses part of it, MSU would be a good choice. You can get an excellent education there at an affordable price. But the 2 schools will give you very different experiences.</p>
<p>I went to MSU and a small college.<br>
Couple thoughts: MSU's Communications College is top-notch, since that's one of your interests you should consider that.
But, you have to wade through the big lectures and TAs to get to the good stuff when you're an upperclassman.</p>
<p>You can skate through MSU easier (and not learn anything) or you can become a Rhodes Scholar; it's up to you and the resources are all there for you.</p>
<p>There's a pretty active IM sports scene, and it's a great sports school, but it's not the same as playing yourself at the collegiate level.</p>
<p>Tough choice. You could start at the small school and transfer (but I wouldn't do it the other way around)</p>