Hi Windozeuser,
If you have not decided yet between the options you have listed, let me add my two cents. My daughter had to decide between Penn State, Michigan, and a school in Texas. She chose Texas. I absolutely loved Penn State and could go on and on about it and why -- and not at all because of its football team. Suffice it to say, even Joe Paterno is proud of the school. My recommendation would be to get what you can at the local PSU campus, then transfer to State College, if you are able, for your last two years. John
Edit: Originally said College Park (Maryland)...wrong university.