Love the college that loves you (with merit money!). Majority of self made millionaires carried little to no debt and went to regular, not big name-big buck colleges. One can have just as much fun and experience in a state school versus a OOS one. Many public state school accept up to and over 50% OOS so you are meeting lots of new people. Also, take advantage of study abroad if you want something different - many schools charge the same tuition etc overseas as they do in the US - get a PT job to pay for airfare.