<p>^^^If that represents $60K in loans, I’d say don’t do it. Even though the fields you are interested in would be no-pay graduate programs (PhD, anyway), the loans will still be accruing interest, and decent pay for scientists is many years down the road.</p>
<p>The “party scene” is not my son’s thing, either, really. Freshman year it may (or may not) be a little harder to avoid, but there are a lot of housing options after that. This one, for instance:</p>
<p>[Mayfield</a> Lodges Housing and Residential Education | Vanderbilt University](<a href=“Housing and Residential Experience | Vanderbilt University”>Housing and Residential Experience | Vanderbilt University)</p>
<p>Also, there are single rooms in some of the dorms after freshman year, if that appeals to you.</p>
<p>It is true that Vanderbilt is a social/sociable campus. That is a strong point. When I say my son is not into the ‘party scene’ that does not mean he is a recluse who hides out at his desk. There are various entertainment options, and I’m sure you will find other students like yourself.</p>
<p>All that said, Penn is a very fine university, obviously, and if you really feel it is more you, and you can afford the difference, then lucky you to have a great choice.</p>