[jchallis]

Just a message from someone who faced a nearly identical choice 20 years ago: 1) Whatever you choose, you will likely have a good education and a great career. Celebrate this. 2) You are much more likely to regret turning down MIT than taking on the extra debt.

I opted for the full ride at State U and had a very good education and a great career graduating with zero debt along with meeting the wonderful woman who became my wife. I owe a lot to State U who in my view invested way more in me than I ever invested back in them.

But State U's credibility only extended within the borders of the state and I ended up, like you described, going out of state to Prestigious U for my PhD. And there was definitely a cost - I did not have the peer education, easily open doors, etc. that would have been there had I turned down State U. I've definitely had moments in my career where doors were closed that would not have been had I opted for the heavier debt, better option.

Whatever you choose if you feel it would help for someone a little closer to your parent's age to make the case for your choice, I'd be happy to do that. I felt no one was able to talk sense to my parents and they were absolutely not listening to me at the time. I've got a lot more notches on my belt and can usually be persuasive however you think the decision should go.

Let me know.