<p>I got accepted into Penn State and Univ. of Oklahoma for Petro. Eng. Program. I understand that OU has a better Petro. Eng. Program due to location (right next to Oklahoma City, a major hub of Oil and Gas Companies), and it is a lot easier to find internship/work on OU then at P.S. </p>
<p>But my dilemma is that it would cost about $10,000 a year more to attend OU. So let's just say I'll be in debt around $30,000 if I attend OU. Do you think it's worth it? </p>
<p>Also, I'm not a fan of Penn State's weather (it's too cloudy during winter time). </p>
<p>Another factor that weighs on my mind is living expense (off campus housing, food price, etc).</p>
<p>Cost of living (beyond the out of state tuition cost) will be cheaper in Oklahoma. The proximity to the major petroleum companies and fields would be very beneficial for you. If the cost is the only thing steering you away from OU, then I would try my hardest to get my hands on outside scholarships or anything that could help out on the cost. Both are quality engineering schools so I guess you really won’t go wrong either way, but in this case I think there is a clearly better choice between the two.</p>
<p>$30,000 debt is not that bad. Normally I advise people to choose the cheapest option, but for them it’s more like $200k+ in debt vs. little to no debt. In your case I think the $30k would be worth it for the increased internship opportunities and better job prospects. Petroleum engineering is a very regional thing so location WILL help.</p>