Wash U vs Rice vs Amherst

[rough temple]

Schools: Washington University in St. Louis, Rice University, and Amherst College
Intended major: Astrophysics (primary) and religious studies
Similarities: Rice and WashU seem to be very similar schools. I really love the environment at them.

WashU
Pros:
List pros of the school

1. Full tuition scholarship!! I would graduate debt free
2. Easy to double major and explore my other interests
3. I went to an admitted student day and loved it! The people were amazing!
4. Campus, dorms, and food
5. Access to research

Cons:

1. Name recognition
2. Not as highly ranked in physics/astrophysics as some of my other options
3. Few study abroad locations approved for my major

Rice
Pros:

1. Very strong is astrophysics
2. Location
3. Lots of study abroad options
4. Access to research

Cons:

1. Price
2. Not as easy to double major across schools

Amherst
Pros:

1. Best location for seeing stars
2. Small class sizes

Cons:

1. Price
2. Not as much research available

Tiebreaking considerations:
How important is the ranking or name recognition? I'm planning on going to grad school. Right now, I'm ready to commit to WashU, but I wanted to see what others are saying since I do really love Rice and Amherst

Thank you for the help!!

[lilac urchin]

you seem to really like washu and its your most affordable option - id take it

[rough temple]

Thank you so much!

[wraith rover]

@rough temple want to add that i go to rice and it's incredibly easy to double major across schools (i have two majors and a minor, each at different schools and required zero effort)

we also have ties to nasa (both in houston) so we do a lot with astrophysics

but tbh if it's coming down to price, it's not worth debt when you have full tuition at another school you clearly love - i do recommend checking out rice if you're in the area though