<p>To answer your question more generically, take3. I take your question as a genuine attempt to analyze the cost and benefits of attending a flagship state university (or McGill) in comparison to the obviously high cost of attending a private school, such as Fordham. Your question is very important and valid. However, I am not sure you can get a straight and clear answer. People all have biases either for their alma mater or for the public/private point of view. Its almost like asking someone to compare an apple to an orange and which is better? It all depends on which you prefer. I am not trying to be glib. It just is what it is. And in the end, you have to determine that yourself. </p>
<p>However, seeking information on the relative respect for flagship publics in the metro NYC area (tri-state), would likely fall closely with the relative USNWR ranking, and also depending on the area of study. Is it Finance or Accounting or MBA’s or Fine Arts or Liberal Arts or Math/Science? It could make a difference. BUT…the main top flagships as exemplified in the USNWR ranking of PUBLIC schools (a narrower version of their national rankings) would all be relatively equally respected if you are targeting law schools or graduate schools. You wont find many University of Oregon or University of Washington or University of California at Los Angeles or University of Wisconsin graduates in New York, it seems to me. Or at least a lot fewer than Eastern Flagships. </p>
<p>I was sitting in Seville Spain (ironically on March 11, the day of the Madrid bombing) at a cafe one bright March morning, sipping my cafe and reading the International Herald Tribune with my spouse and next to me at a table were 4 students from UNC-Chapel Hill. We chuckled as these bright kids were “being oh so international” and having a good time. We didnt burst their bubble. But you can go anywhere in the world and be from a flagship college and be recognized. </p>
<p>So it comes down to your personal preferences and your own financial state of affairs and some of the “intangibles” (such as a Jesuit education versus incredible football and basketball teams at the flagships or fraternity life at the flagships etc.)</p>
<p>Best of luck to you.</p>