<p>Depending on what your career focus is after undergrad (graduate school or job), should play a role in selecting a undergraduate program. </p>
<p>If you are looking for an Ivy for engineering, Cornell would be, most likely, the best choice. </p>
<p>Engineering is a different animal than most majors. Many state schools have excellent engineering programs and their graduates are highly recruited by companies such as Boeing, GE, Conoco Philips, Exxon, etc. I would suggest doing some research the career services websites for the universities you are interested in and make your own judgments.</p>