<p>I have a friend graduating from Alabama this year who chose to attend because he got a full ride. He ended up hating all four years he spent there, even though he got a 4.0. The party scene is great, but he found most of the students to not be very intelligent or interested in learning, which made for a poor college experience. Your experience may be different, but I think that your opportunities will be better at Vanderbilt and you will enjoy it more, although you will have to work harder. $60k is not a high price to pay in the long run, especially if you get into med school.</p>