Is it always worth it to go to the best school?

What is her intended major- and does she (and you) understand that most college kids change their minds about majors at least once when they get to college?

Does that through off the calculus?

Personally- I was willing to pay more for more- more rigor, stronger student body, better research and internship opportunities, higher quality academic offerings. I was not willing to pay more for less- weaker students, less robust program, easier path to graduating without being challenged, etc.

YMMV.