<p>Yeah I would go with Binghamton if you get in. There really is something to living away from home and Binghamton is a very good school so puts you in a good place whether you end up transferring or not. However, is Vassar really more expensive that Cal (Berkeley) for you? I don’t actually know the finances but they would seem at least close unless you expect to get more aid at Vassar. You could also try SUNY New Paltz which is a good school, smaller and there is definitely a comfortable vibe on campus which would be accepting of vegan, etc.</p>