Northwestern German Lit/Critical Thought vs. Columbia German/Comparative Lit and Society

[In Excelsis Deo]

Northwestern has already offered me a fully-funded package while Columbia simply mean more debt. Right now, my decision has brought about a serious conflict between what my mind wants (the economic convenience and flexibility presented by Northwestern) and what my heart desires (the academic prestige, rigor, faculty, and of course, the city lifestyle presented by Columbia). I already visited Northwestern's campus and the greater Chicago area last month as part of the recruiting event; I was able to spend time with the other accepted students (there were about 5-6 of us), the faculty, and even had the chance to sit in on a seminar. Even though it is in the proximity of the Chicago Loop, I personally think that the location of the school, does not present itself as accessible to the porosity of the city as much as, let's say the way that the New School, NYU, or Columbia functions here in NYC. With this in mind, I solemnly think that with my current sensibilities and lifestyle preferences, I would rather live in NYC than in Evanston/Chicago. On top of that, I really feel like as much as how seductive a fully-funded offer can be, I do not want to miss the opportunity of attending a place like Columbia and being associated with of all the things it brings with it (fit, name, brand, historical prestige, faculty, and the city itself like I already mentioned). I know this is a vague question but I will ask anyway: What would you do if you were in my position?