Yale/UPenn/Brown (10k) vs Washington and Lee (Full Ride)

Consider how much an admissions spot at Yale would sell for on the open market (special donor consideration starts at the 8 figure mark). Go to Yale for $10K per year. Congrats.

If you’d been accepted SCEA to Yale. Would you be having doubts now?

There is anecdotal evidence that Yale can be a letdown if you haven’t drunk the kool-aid:

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/yale-university/2179548-think-twice-about-yale-p1.html

OP wrote in post #11 above:

“I am interested in studying government and international relations.”

Your intended area of study suggests “Yale”. Lots of connections.

If OP wrote about interest in Greek life, tennis, and concern about paying $10,000 per year, then I would recommend W&L.

Nevertheless, a recession is likely, therefore, free plus $7,000 is a reasonable decision for an elite LAC.

Interesting that UPenn for $5,000 does not incite any discussion.

I really do not think that there is a wrong decision among OP’s four options, but there is a right decision for OP based on personal preference.