<p>From a cost point of view, Macauley will be a lot less expensive. However, it offers a different experience from Stony Brook.</p>
<p>The question you haven’t discussed is reputation. Unfortunately, I’m only familiar with the Hunter Macauley Program, which, from a reputation point of view compares favorably with elite schools (among those who know it). I have nothing bad to say about Stony Brook educationally, it’s a top 100 USNWR school – which is what it is. You can get a fine education there.</p>
<p>So, I guess it comes down to the following factors:</p>
<ol>
<li> Cost – is the extra cost for Stony Brook worth it.</li>
<li> Reputation – How prestigous is the Brooklyn Macauley Program – uneducated guess – a lot more prestigious that Stony Brook.</li>
<li> Educational Experience/Fit – the intangibles</li>
</ol>