<p>Cornell is a more traditional experience in a college town with a traditional campus and that should foster a greater sense of community. If that’s what you like tell them. I think the atmosphere at Cornell will also help with focusing on your studies rather than being torn by family obligations and city fun. Tell them you want to immerse yourself in academic life. I feel that Cornell has a stronger overall academic reputation. As far as the money goes, you may get more cost free opportunities at Cornell. The generosity in the financial aid carries over to funding projects and research. Likely how study abroad works out, you can check on that. I know NYU is known to be less generous. Going to Brown, my daughter has a lot of trips (Fermi lab, Grace Hopper conference, Int’l Robotics conference) paid for by her college.</p>
<p>Five hours is close enough and there is that Cornell bus. You can negotiate to come home a little more often the first year. There is Thanksgiving, winter break spring break and summer. Check the calendar for long weekends you will agree to come back on, or ask them to come up once a semester. At least for first year while they get used to the empty nest. Perhaps in future you will do internship in NYC. Good luck.</p>