<p>What has been said I think are accurate and rational approaches to the decision. I would like to add, however, that you should NOT base your undergrad decision on where you MIGHT go to grad school. Getting into the Iowa MFA program is EXTREMELY difficult. It is the most well-known program of its kind and many people compete every year for limited spots. Not to say you shouldn’t try, of course you should pursue your dream and go for it. But there are no guarantees in that process. Also, getting into Columbia’s program is also really hard, not to mention vastly expensive if you do get in. So don’t choose your college with the notion that you’ll definitely end up in either of those two places. I don’t mean to sound harsh, but that is the reality of the situation.</p>