Several things at play in this thread. Compensation bands are wider than many think. Even for first time hires out of college the salary can range widely. The number of stock options or RSUs offered also range quite a bit. Taken together the total compensation package can vary by $$$. The other aspect is that in any given year certain areas of expertise within CS will be more sought after than others. Taken together the starting salary can vary by considerable amounts.
Many feel that where a CS degree comes from doesn’t matter. Others (like me) think is does. Curriculum matters, alumni network matters, and yes, to some extent brand value matters. Even the recruitment experience differs. While many large tech companies will visit a campus and open up to resumes and coding tests, those same companies will make direct contact with students for specific jobs in specific groups at different schools.
In the end, yous buys your ticket yous takes your chances.