Is it worth choosing a university farther away if the department is a much better fit?

Yes. If the department is clearly a much better match for what and how you want to study, it can be worth choosing a university farther away rather than rejecting it based on distance alone. However, compare commuting or housing costs, daily-life demands, distance from family, extracurricular activities, and future academic or career opportunities, and consider whether you can manage them throughout your enrollment. Check the department’s curriculum and support systems in official information.