Your post shows that you already know the answer. NYU is not worth the extra money. Georgetown is a great university and DC offers some opportunities that you will not get in Gainesville, but you would have to consider the difference and how much your parents can actually contribute. UF will have a lot of great programs, smart students, study abroad, etc. If that prepaid program covers your entire tuition it’s a no-brainer. BUT if the curiosity is there, why not apply to one or two private schools that you are really interested in and see what happens with aid. Also, only in a warped world do you have a “bland record.”