Answers

You only get to do college once. I would go with your dream school.

I would advise making an extensive visit to both colleges to get a better understanding of the academic quality, campus environment, and post-undergrad opportunities. If you feel going to the Top 10 school offers you a 2x greater likelihood of reaching your college goals (e.g. good job with high salary; lasting network of friends and future alums; better resources; etc...), then you should go with it. If not, go with the money. At the end of the day, this choice boils down to value. If the value of a degree from College A (Top 10 school) is 2x greater than that of College B (Top 30 school), then choose College A. If less, choose College B.

My sister was in your predicament. After 4 years of college at her dream school (liken this school to your Top-10, Ivy-League school), she regretfully told me that she had made the wrong choice. Ultimately, she ended up with lots of debt and an experience that wasn't as great as she had hoped. In retrospect, she thought saving money and attending a slightly lower-quality would have put her in a better post-undergrad situation - less debt, same quality degree, and an overall happier outlook on her college experience. That being said, you are not her. However, I would definitely try to understand what you'll be getting out of the next 4 years of your life out of both schools.

It all depends on what you want to major in. Compare the programs at both schools, list the pros and cons of each, then choose whichever you think fits what you want. But if they're both the same, yo9u should choose your dream school, even if you don't have financial aid. You only go to college once, and you should be able to go where you want to go.

I'd make a long and detailed list of each school...dont leave out anything...think about classes (and not just normal classes w/in your major, think the random & interesting classes you'd enjoy taking as electives), study abroad ops, internships/jobs, facilities, the vibe....think of everything! And then leave it for a few days, do anything to keep your mind off the schools. Then go back and look @ it again. Also think of a really close friend or sibling having the same problem and think about the advice you'd give them! Students loans obviously aren't fun, but if the school REALLY will change your life in terms of friends and being a bigger eye opener, go for it! Good Luck!