<p>I actually agree with GeekMom63 and zSquared. You will probably have second thoughts either way since both schools appeal to you. Personally, I would go with the cheaper option. I was in a similar situation last year between Rice and Duke; Rice was a lot cheaper for me (about $25k a year) although I loved Duke’s school spirit/athletics/environmental science program. However, I loved Rice too because of its Houston location, residential college system, small size, friendly people, etc. I did have second thoughts about Duke the entire 1st semester and a little bit 2nd semester, but I’m still very glad I chose Rice because if I was unhappy at Duke (which could be likely), then I would have kept hitting myself in the head saying “Why did I turn down a school that is just as good and was $25,000/year cheaper?”</p>
<p>And, if I had to do it all over again, I would choose Rice over Duke or any of other school for the matter.</p>