How much of a factor should money be in my college decision?

Okay so I have to make my college decision by May 1st and I'm really stuck...

I'm stuck between Texas A&M University and the University of Houston.

I'm responsible for paying half of my college, and any scholarships I get go towards my half.

UofH offered me $32,000 in scholarships, and if I go there I'll come out of college debt free.

A&M offered me $4,000 and if I go there I'll come out with like $30,000 in debt.

I honestly wasn't even considering UofH until I got the offer. I'm going for Engineering, and UofH is ranked 78th in the Nation and A&M is ranked like 10th or 12th. I was planning on going to A&M and rooming with one of my best friends. I like the campus better, the sports are better there, and I feel like I would just be happier there.

So my question is, how much of a factor should money be? My parents seem to be pushing me towards UofH because of the money (even though it doesn't affect how much they are paying), and my stepmom said she thinks if I go to A&M I'd be making the wrong decision.

This is really stressing me out, and I'd appreciate any help.

Thanks in advance