<p>As for the state universities most respected in the Tristate area, you would have the usual suspects: Berkeley, Michigan and UVA. It seems at one point, Binghamton was more respected than it is today–Stony Brook seems to be the hot SUNY school these days. Rutgers seems to have an okay reputation. Because there are so many strong and prestigious privates in the area, the local state schools tend to be outshined. I think state schools generally get a bum rap!
As for McGill, I just think most people in general are not familiar with the school, despite its strong reputation academically. If you are considering grad school, then I think it could be a good option.</p>
<p>In terms of getting a job, I think the Fordham connections might be easier to tap into, given the greater numbers of alumni in the area. OTOH, alumni from McGill in the area might be more loyal given the lower numbers of fellow grads.</p>