[kibbleble]

If you have sound mental health and are extremely driven, are able to focus despite the courseload and competition, and you are confident you'll graduate on time, then pick MIT. You minimize debt by graduating as soon as possible.

Average folk may take 5-6 years to graduate with an engineering degree because it's that difficult. Gotta retake classes and work part time, haha.

Regardless of college, what you do outside of classes is more important (networking). There are smart people everywhere, so you're not missing much if you skip MIT.

I will say though, the MIT campus is right by the river and has a serene feeling. Are you able to visit the place, and do you like the idea of being there for the next 4 years? If you have a mental health issue like seasonal affective disorder, you'll be miserable at MIT due to the geography, and no amount of justifying a bad location will save you.

Having some extra money means you can afford to study abroad. Picking up a new language may become your passion.

Either way, I don't think there's a wrong choice. You'll have to weigh and rank your desires accordingly.