<p>phillinoist, you have named schools with a variety of different sizes and also a variety of different campus/social cultures. Each also has its own academic strengths, as well as weaknesses. As a starting point, it might be best for you to do some self evaluation and try to get some idea of what you are looking for in a college or university. Then find out as much as you can about the schools that interest you and work from there. There are also a lot of other schools, some which may meet your needs better than any of those you have mentioned.</p>
<p>UNC is a fine university and easily worth the expense as an OOS if it offers the the social and academic environment that you are looking for in a college. Whether it can do that is something only you can decide. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>