Got a call this morning and was offered a spot! I have until Friday to decide. This is going to be a tough week! There's so many things I love about Kansas state but I also got into midwestern university which is close to my family and I like arizona a lot. I would really appreciate any input!
I don't know much about Midwestern, but I can give you my perspective on Kansas.
In terms of cost, I am pretty sure the two places are similar in tuition, but cost of living should be cheaper in Kansas, so that's one thing to definitely consider. I would less consider scholarships to be completely honest, I think my sister got a couple of grand when she went there, which is honestly just a drop in the bucket, and as far as I know (may be wrong on this, so double check) most of the bigger scholarships are reserved for IS students. Cost of living over 4 years has a much larger impact then a couple of grand scholarship IMHO.
Kansas is one of the few vet schools out there that rewards teachers for good teaching, rather then for research that is put out. This was probably one of the most alluring things to me, given that I personally want to go into academia (the price tag associated was less so). I have met several faculty there while at conferences with my sister, and I have been nothing but impressed with every faculty member I have met. My sister really did well with the teaching style of the professors while there.
If you are looking for connections, my sister definitely made a few important connections while there, but I feel a lot of that is what you make of it. One thing I will say is that she got to do some really cool stuff while there (ie. surgery on a snow leopard, working on a kangaroo from various movies, etc.) in terms of exotics, so if exotics peeks your interests, then that could be a good fit.
I personally love the area of manhattan, but it's not for everyone. My sister hated the town, and how small it was, but it has been growing and my sister was surprised about some new stores and places that are now out there.
It sounds like being close to family is important to you, but I guess I personally would keep in mind how long you will be in classes, as well as your ability to see family. I remember my sister saying afterwards that she didn't feel like she would have seen us anymore then she did during vet school even if she had been at a closer vet school (which was summers and Christmas break). Not saying that's the same for everyone, and me and my sister are both the same way in which we are fine going 15+ hour drives away from family without hesitation. But then again, many people are not okay doing that.
At the end of the day, Midwestern should be accredited by the time you graduate and you should receive a great education at both schools (assuming accreditation, everything met the needed standards). If costs doesn't make a huge difference in your eyes (which I am quite envious about), I would say choose the school that you feel you will be happiest at, given your interests and feel of the two areas.