Options: Columbia ~$237k (total due at end of 3yrs as per LS22's spreadsheet)
Cornell: ~$150k (total due at end of 3yrs as per LS22's spreadsheet)
NYU: $? (Awaiting appeal to a no aid offer. Without any aid, I think NYU has to be out

Goals: Fed Clerkship/BigLaw or Prestigious PI. Clerkship is definite desire, but I realize it's neither easy to get nor a differentiator for any of these schools. I would much prefer PI and use PAYE + LRAP but I am open to and intrigued by BigLaw as well. I will probably skew more towards the "legal nerd" kind of persona at school. I just find law fascinating and I want to practice it. I value the work-life balance and feel goodishness from PI about equal to the higher salary of BigLaw. That's as of right now though. I could easily see myself finding a class or opportunity at LS that will sway my preference one way or the other.
Other considerations: I am a splitter, with a very high LSAT and work experience so retaking or waiting won't offer me any advantage.
I grew up in tri-state area. Nearly all of my friends and my family are in the area and I have an SO in the area. I have also lived in another city (far away) for the past two years, so I have a strong desire to go back. Ithaca is closer to them than I am now, but not close enough that I would really see them any more frequently (probably less since I will be busier than I am now). I will know zero people in Ithaca. I can save a bit of travel money by going to CLS, but none of my family live close enough that I could commute and have any rational expectation of doing well.
Also I personally prefer CLS substantially. Loved the ASW and really connected with current students and profs. I did not visit Cornell, I was accepted late. I will visit but won't have chance until after the deposit deadline.
Can I justify $90k more for Columbia considering significantly better LRAP, not-insignificantly better BigLaw, and proximity to friends and loved ones?
Thanks for the opinions.