<p>The schools even out. What you get out of your education will be in direct relation to what you put in. Many, many, many young people get into medical school from all kinds of state schools every year. And plenty of really bright kids choose their in-state public over more highly ranked schools every year. </p>
<p>You live in the Midwest, if you want to go somewhere else and you get a nice scholarship, go. Otherwise, staying at your state public is a great option.</p>
<p>Oh, and on CC, in general people are a bit biased toward name schools.</p>