@Gumbymom I agree completely with your outlook if OP is really only considering going to UCLA to “have fun with a friend.” If OP is seriously interested in medical school; however, the debt may be justified, though I do think that there are many better options for a lower price.
@happymomof1 I have cousins are extremely well-qualified, high-achieving students (in high school they were NMF and top in their classes), but my overprotective aunt forced them to stay in Texas to attend A&M (albeit not a bad school). My aunt also forced them to go to UT Southwestern for medical school, and although they’re ranked top in their class (1 and 2 respectively), they’re currently having problems getting into top-tier programs for their intended specialties (dermatology and pathology). I would say that name matters in the long run. Furthermore, if you want a better MCAT score, you will get one from receiving a better undergraduate education. Also, it would be more beneficial to receive a letter of recommendation from a more established professor.