<p>Well, oldest son graduated this year (after we paid 225k+ tuition/living expense at a private school), and got a very high paying job doing what he’s interested in. He had plenty of opportunities and was very happy with where he went, as the people he went to school with were extremely smart and motivated. Couldn’t have worked out better for him, I think. The money was painful, and we wouldn’t have been willing to go into debt for it, but as it stands…great choice. Do not think he would have had the same opportunities had he gone elsewhere.</p>
<p>My daughter chose an OOS state school that was tops of Kiplinger’s OOS Value list. It was not the absolute cheapest option but was in the same ball park. They offered the most IB Credit opportunity (She has a Full IB degree) and she will be graduating a year and a half early because of that. She isn’t into football or many extracurriculars (She is in Math club and got into the Honors Math fraternity) but this college is not known for football either.</p>
<p>My oldest chose a large state U, primarily because his grades weren’t good and only two schools admitted him. This was the best of the two. He loves it. It’s been perfect for him.</p>
<p>All 3 of my boys chose the “same” school but in different cities: private, mid-sized school with a real campus in big cities.</p>
<p>All 3 made good choices and all were lucky enough to go to their first choices–but their choices were based on fit and not on prestige.</p>
<p>All 3 are now graduated, all are employed in their chosen fields, and all are happy…and so are H and I.</p>