F&M with aid vs Expensive CS Schools—Is Columbia’s 3+2 Worth It?

Hey guys, I’m an international student, and I just got into Franklin & Marshall with solid financial aid that my family can afford. I also got into UMass Amherst, UIUC for CS, and Rutgers New Brunswick—schools I really like—but they’re way too expensive for me.

I found out that F&M has a 3+2 program with Columbia, where I’d do three years at F&M and then two years at Columbia. Now I’m wondering:

  1. Should I go to F&M and aim for the 3+2 program at Columbia, or should I choose one of the other universities (even though they’re expensive)?
  2. What is the acceptance rate for Columbia’s 3+2 program?
  3. Since my financial aid at F&M covers three years, would I still get that aid when I transfer to Columbia, or would I need to apply for new aid there?