Private College vs. Public College?

Look at this situation in the context of opportunity cost. With each option, consider what you would be giving up on the other side. The top accredited school would offer a much better education and career field options but would give up possibly staying out of debt. On the other side the smaller college will keep you out of debt but gives up the opportunity to do something you enjoy. You need to decide if you can live with that decision 4 years down the road when its all said and done. Other factors to consider are the possibility of community colleges to start. If you go two years to a community college you will get smaller class sizes, not have to pay as much and if you transfer after two years the future employers will only see where you graduated last. Whether or not you went all four years is a load of poppycock(i love that word). Also, i can't attest to this personally but ive heard that scholarship money can become more accessible if you break dependency from your parents. I would definately weigh the options in that scenario because it is not a decision to make lightly but the government does offer more money for college if your not dependent. An extreme option i know but its something to consider. The final suggestion i have is just to look at different colleges. I'm sure your whole state doesn't boil down to two colleges that offer your major. Talk to a counselor that knows more than i do and figure out what works for you. Doing one thing will give up the opportunity to do something else. Opportunity cost, plain and simple.