On mid February, I’m planning a college trip all throughout New England + Chicago. Here’s my tentative itinerary:

Arrive at Chicago, U of Chicago, tour the city(Does anyone have a good travel guide for Chicago, don’t know where to start!) (? days)

Fly over to Boston, visit MIT and Harvard. Tour Boston (? days)

Amtrack train or Greyhound bus to New Haven. Visit Yale. Possibly tour New Haven (is there anything to see?) (? days)

Amtrack train or Greyhound bus to New York. Visit Columbia U and NYU. Definitely tour NY. (Does anyone have a concise and nice travel guide for NY, going to important museums, the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, etc…?) (? days)

Amtrack train or Greyhound bus to Princeton, NJ. Visit Princeton U. I guess quickly tour Princeton city. (? days, but max. 2 days)

Finally, Amtrack train or Greyhound bus to Philadelphia. Visit U of Pennsylvania. Tour Philadelphia (once again, quick but concise tour guide, anyone?)

I’m planning to stay at Hostelling International hostels at all cities.

I’m really lost as to prices for meals and transportation. Can anyone help me out here?

I really would appreciate any tips or information that you can give me for this trip!
Including, of course, prices of transportation within the cities (i.e. public transportation)