> I feel for you, but I'm not terribly sympathetic. I never have understood why so many people who have perfectly good colleges within 50 miles seem to feel obligated to go to an out of state college, instead of going to one close by.

I picked mine based solely on price. Nashville had a wide range of colleges and universities, but only 32 miles away, in Murfreesboro, there was a college that where I could start for $72. That was $40 per quarter for fees and $32 for a dorm room. (Think 1953) I had saved up $140 so I figured that it was worth that to put off my military career for a few months.

With books and an occasional meal, I was broke by the end of the quarter, but thanks to a part time job, I was able the hang around until I finally graduated in 1958.

As luck would have it, it was an excellent college and it has become something of a family tradition to go there. It is now known as "Middle Tennessee State University," and I feel like it was one of the best things that ever happened to me.
Howard