Congrats!! I would choose UNC or Michigan too as I think both are better for an older student. Location is biggest difference. Where do you see yourself after college? If it’s in the midwest you’ll have better networking and opps in Michigan. UNC will be better from DC through Atlanta, though it’s also got very strong network in NYC – though I’m sure Michigan does too.
Chapel Hill / Carrboro / Durham combined have a lot to offer adults as well as college kids.
Michigan takes more out of state students, I think, so that might be a difference. But b/c NC has attracted so many residents from all over the country in the last few decades, by the time their kids end up at UNC it doesn’t really have so much of a southern feel these days.
Michigan has a small edge on national brand, but not much. Biggest overall difference is that UNC is smaller than Michigan and has warmer weather – not sure how you weight those in terms of good or bad.
Let us know what you decide!