UCSB vs. NYU Communications

I got into UCSB and NYU (Steinhart) for Communications.
I received $26,334 of financial aid from UCSB and only $5,775 from NYU.
I have chosen UCSB (haven’t submitted my SIR yet) but am phased by the surprised reactions from others when I say I was accepted into NYU and did not choose it.
So, I would appreciate feedback on these schools and their Communication major.

Thank you!

The big advantage would be location, location. But it was clearly too expensive, so what else can you do, that’s life. The key with this major is to be aggressive with volunteering and internships, imo. Congrats on your acceptances.

You were admitted, but they didn’t provide you with sufficient financial aid. While NYU is prestigious because it’s in NYC, it’s not better than UCSB academically and well-known for lousy financial aid policies.
Since UCSB is clearly both as good academically and better financially, your choice makes total sense. If others act surprised, it’s because they’re into the “NYC myth”, plus they may not know you’re only allowed to take on $5,500 in loans and that NYU is 70k a year.
If they persist, this should do the trick: “NYU for a year would cost more than my parents make, so it’s off the table. With the money I save by going to UCSB, I get to spend all my Spring Breaks in NYC, which will be awesome.”

Thank you, both of you, I really appreciate the feedback. Just needed a reminder that my decision was the right one… Thanks again!

Your decision IS the right one. NYU has always been considered cruddy with financial aid. UCSD is a good school where you can receive a solid education. People that are shocked are wound up by the “social prestige” of what schools raise the most eyebrows at barbecues. They won’t be paying your student loans so it’s considered null to listen to their opinions.

So true…thank you so much!