Penn State, Purdue, Howard, or Cal Poly SLO!?!? Where should I go???

<p>Hi, so it's that time of the year when I have to choose where I want to go to school. So here's the thing:</p>

<p>Penn State University Park: Accepted in Division of Undergraduate Studies; I have to pay $41,000 a year with very LITTLE and almost USELESS loans (this is pretty tough on my family); I'm from California but the school is relatively close to some relatives in New York (I really like that)</p>

<p>Purdue: I could choose to be waitlisted for College of Engineering for fall 2010 and/or guarantee admission for spring 2011 (this is my fault, I applied too late); in Indiana, not very close to any relatives; about $38,000 a year (they didn't mention any aid); ranked the highest for undergraduate engineering out of all the schools</p>

<p>Howard: Accepted into School of Engineering; Legacy Scholarship: covers tuition and fees all four years (very nice of them); in DC so it is somewhat close to relatives in NY; I would very much like to experience an HBCU</p>

<p>Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: Accepted into School of Engineering; VERY close to home (well, at least compared to other schools...I'm from Los Angeles); B-E-A-utiful campus and city (so I've heard from a lot of people); around $32,000 a year (no aid but it's not too bad)</p>

<p>Where should I go??? They are all such good schools, but I was also thinking about trying to transfer to Cornell for sophomore year. Based on location, reputation, and costs where do you guys think I should go? I'VE GOT 4 WEEKS TO DECIDE!!</p>

<p>Thanks in advance :D</p>

<p>go to cal poly. their engineering is tops! I have a few mustang friends and they all love it there. SLO is still a good distance from LA so it will feel new enough- but you wont have to spend a fortune traveling.</p>

<p>SLO has a very strong engineering program. I have personally worked with numerous grads and have found them to be top notch. However I don’t see how it would cost you 32K since you’re in state. Including R&B it should be closer to 15K.</p>

<p>I’d say Cal Poly, but I think the full tuition at Howard and its proximity to your relatives are good incentives.</p>