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I need some help. I need to make a decision ASAP for personal reasons.

The offers:
Penn: $90k over 3 years
Columbia: $55k over 3 years

The difference, when accounting for difference in COL and tuition, is pretty substantial.

My interests/background:
-Hard science background
-Broadly interested in IP, energy, technology, etc.
-Also interested in environmental, business, international...could see myself going in several directions
-Would prefer to be in NYC but would be more than fine in Philly (I do like Penn's emphasis on quality of life)

Do the networking, externships, and journal opportunities (plus NY living) make Columbia worth it? Or is Penn the better call? I would probably choose Columbia if money were equal, but alas it is not. I know there is no absolute right answer but would appreciate advice!

$21k difference in COA, $35k difference in grants = $56k. $2.4k origination fees if debt-financed, $7.2k in interest ($3.6k first disbursement, $2.4k second, $1.2k third). So by the day you graduate, the difference is $65.6k. My vote is for Penn.

I'm bumping this to see if I can get any more insights. Thanks for voting, everyone.

Penn because it's cheaper and you have a strong background. I wouldn't put too much stock into that "quality of life" stuff though.

banjo wrote:Penn because it's cheaper and you have a strong background. I wouldn't put too much stock into that "quality of life" stuff though.

Agreed with both of this. I doubt quality of life will be significant, barring a strong desire for either city (why do people always assume that CLS students are miserable?). With that said, Penn because it's cheaper and you have the IP background.