<p>RPI is located in Troy NY so you are not really going to “see the world” there…its very possible you would experience more living at Drexel even though it is closer to home. I know a lot of suburban Philly kids who go to U Penn, Drexel and Temple living on campus i the city is a lot different than living at home. I’d go for the Drexel option because its cheaper and because I’ve heard RPI is a real academic pressure cooker and that doesn’t sound like what you want. Just curious why you did not apply to your instate schools Pitt and Penn State which would have been cheaper options?</p>