<p>Ordinarily I prefer selective LACs to big state universities, but this choice is hard. Michigan is one of the best state universities. If costs were equal, and if you were comparing any arbitrary, moderately selective LAC, then I’d favor Michigan. </p>
<p>However, the costs strongly favor Kalamazoo. Furthermore, Kalamazoo seems to be stronger in some science areas than its #71 US News ranking suggests, if PhD production is any indication ([COLLEGE</a> PHD PRODUCTIVITY](<a href=“http://web.reed.edu/ir/phd.html]COLLEGE”>Doctoral Degree Productivity - Institutional Research - Reed College) - see Life Sciences and Chemistry.) I assume you’ve visited Kalamazoo and liked it.</p>
<p>So, even though your parents apparently don’t mind the cost difference (so you really do have a choice), I’d lean toward Kalamazoo. I don’t think it will hold you back in admission to a good PhD program, especially if you get good internships or use the small college advantage to work with professors on research projects.</p>
<p>If the LAC begins to feel too confining, you can transfer after two years. By then you’ll already have saved some money. The big introductory classes at a state university will be behind you; Michigan’s course selection advantages in your major will still be ahead of you.</p>