Currently a freshman at a large state school, and in the process of transferring schools. So far, I have been accepted to UNC Chapel Hill and Villanova University. When I was looking at schools to transfer to, I wanted a smaller school than my current one (Indiana University), a school in the northeast/east coast region, better academics across all departments, and close proximity to a city. I know chapel hill is not near a city at all like 'Nova is, but would like some opinion between these two schools.
I am majoring in communications and want a solid liberal arts education. I know UNC Chapel Hill is ranked higher than 'Nova, yet I am still hesitate about UNC because ~85% are in state students and it is not near a vibrant city.
What are your suggestions/thoughts/comments/concerns/etc.?
Thanks.
Villanova is in the suburbs so your not gonna be experiencing a vibrant city often. UNC is regarded more highly and a bit cheaper, so I would go with them.
Of the two, Chapel Hill/Carrboro is much more vibrant than the area around Villanova. . .
Certainly UNC over Villanova for communications. Although to be quite honest, Indiana is no slouch for your discipline, and the college experience may not be that different from where you are coming from. The academics, reputation and campus experience do favor UNC over Indiana, imo, and you do state your reasons clearly – I respect that. You may want to wait and post back to see if there are other acceptances, and perhaps for something that is significantly different from your current campus. UNC acceptances aren’t easy to come by, so that bodes well for you.
What’s wrong with IU? The schools don’t appear appreciably different to justify the hassles of transferring. This might be a classic example of the grass is greener on the other side, IMO.
UNC over Villanova is you want “vibrant” city life! 
And indeed general prestige and academics will be better at UNC than at either IU or Villanova.