Pitt vs. UDel vs. PennState (main) for Environmental Studies

Student seems to be attracted to Pitt’s rating but agree, price will be the deciding factor. And, I guess, the rating difference is not significant enough to chose it over UDel.
Between UMD and UDel (more expensive), there will be 7-10k difference per year in tuitions assuming the rest is comparable.
Both will have risks:

  • UMD - first year you have to maintain 3.0 GPA and 30 credits to transfer automatically
  • UDel - same pressure (maintain high rigorous/performance) to stay in honours with scholarship)
    They also say, love school that loves you back - UD is clearly better in that respect.
    On the other hand, in UMD might be easier in case of dips and major changes - you can take longer than 4 years and still pay in-state.
    Ohhh, my student is torn and so am I.
    Already ruled out other acceptances but these 2 (or 3) are hard