<p>If it were equal money, I’d probably choose Stanford. At the graduate student level, I think it’s better to be in a more fun area (which Stanford is in). The fact Cornell has a great campus life is less relevant to graduate students since we don’t partake in the same activities as undergrads.</p>
<p>However, 12k is not an insignificant amount of money. The cost of living is going to be much much higher at Stanford. If you are going to have trouble paying that off, then it is definitely to your advantage to go to Cornell. I’m graduating from grad school right now with debt looming and it’s scary.</p>