Bellingham or Fort Collins?

I'm getting the sense Fort Collins might be the better choice. However, I can't imagine WWU is that bad of a school in comparison. I have checked out the community, the college campus, housing, and Navy Reserve opportunities in Fort Collins. Since I will be using the Post 9/11 GI Bill, I do get a monthly housing allowance which varies depending on what location I will be living in. If I were to live in Bellingham, I get nearly $200 dollars more a month than I would in F. Collins, yet rent and housing I've come across on the internet is cheaper in Bellingham. Coupled with the Navy bases somewhat nearby, there seems more opportunity for Reserve duty and maybe some full time support action, not that I want to keep delaying pursuing my degree, but financial stability is an issue for me.

I suppose joining the Airforce Reserve is a viable option since there seem to be more Airforce bases in Colorado, but it depends on if the Navy Reserve would release me to the Airforce Reserve since I am technically obligated for another 3 years, although on IRR status right now. I plan on checking out WWU along with talking to both Airforce and Navy Reserve recruiters to see what is available. Thanks for the suggestions and information. If anyone has more information on either college that would be helpful. I'm happy to finally be out of Florida!

Its not that WWU is a bad school, its just that CSU is just that much better in all sciences that I can think of, geology/earth sciences included. A visit to the places should make that apparent. You've also got the USGS in Golden if I remember right. That would lend some access opportunities. Also note that the Washington "legislature" is aggressively pricing people out of higher education, especially if you are an out of state resident. I don't know what the situation is in Colorado but tuition out here is screaming upwards every year. I paid out of state at CSU but it was awhile ago.

As far as beer goes, I think Boundary Bay and Chuckanut make fine products and may be edging out New Belgium, but Ft Collins also has Odells, Coopersmiths and several others in town. Not that that should influence your educational choices.

Maybe check around on LinkedIn.com to see where professionals in your field of interest went and then Go Ram.