<p>@OP - you could know that the rankings of other schools might be higher than PSU, but not that the quality of education is better. None of those alternatives you listed are at a level that could possibly justify $100K loans instead of a 75% discount. If we’re talking Harvard or MIT vs. PSU, then maybe the answer is different.</p>
<p>If you really want an alternative to PSU, did you look for schools where you might get a big merit scholarship? That doesn’t seem likely at Michigan or Berkeley, could be possible at Case or the others.</p>
<p>BTW, are you sure that your step-mom’s income would be considered in financial aid evaluations?</p>