If i did it again at DCA it would be cheaper - but when i was looking, I noticed that the "Big" schools were quoting in the same ball park - that was a year and a half ago.
So I think that if I would have gone somewhere else - it would have yealded the same result - I still would have struggeled with how to land anywhere I went.
I could have spent time at a local FBO just getting some of the basics out of the way - I never even had a discovery flight.
The stuff that put me over budget were more personal than anything. I haven't been a "student" since 1989. Im the type of guy that doesn't ask for directions when hes lost - just keep driving, your bound to find it.

That alone can drive the cost up real fast.
The comments can flow from those that are anti DCA - but I have never once questioned my decision to come here.