<p>Interesting. We too had the same decision to make in 2003. At the time we were in-state in Virginia and had the pre-paid tuition plan making UVA the most attractive financially. Both my wife and I are UNC grads (graduate school) so we were interested in him going there plus it was relatively nearby and relatively tuition friendly for OOS. So where did he go? USC? Why? He got into the film school, and that’s what he wanted.</p>
<p>Some questions for your family to consider. Is money an issue? Are you in-state at UVA or UNC? Does your son want a specific program that’s better at one of the schools? Can you afford expensive airfares for breaks if your son goes far away? Does your son intend to live on the east or west coast? Can you accept the possibility that if your son goes to school far away from where you live he may stay there? My son did.</p>
<p>Forget the prestige. Prestige is often regionally-based. As an old guy, let me say that my Rutgers and UNC degrees have served me very well over a working career of 35 years.</p>