I live off-campus which is significantly cheaper and more independent than on-campus. For example, one has to have a meal plan if they are a first-year student living in the dorms. While it can be a pain to get to class some days, it is better paying low rent and making your own meals.

I wanted to stay in-state because of family and costs. KU is the only university with a medical school as I was pre-med. They also have one of the highest ranking honors programs. They have the Pell Grant advantage, which covers most of my tuition and fees. The campus is beautiful and Lawrence is a great college town.