<p>It’s not the name of the school you go to, but what you do there that counts. Generally, a 4.0 GPA at Public State U will get you further than a 3.5 at an Ivy League University (though a 3.5 can still be impressive if the college is known for grade deflation). </p>
<p>There’s little point in going to a school you hate, but it is a good idea to keep your debt as low as possible. Especially since you’ll likely have to take out some loans for grad school as well. Hopefully you’ll find a cheap university that fits you decently. </p>
<p>Visit these threads for more guidance: <a href=“The Loan Reality - Financial Aid and Scholarships - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1637435-the-loan-reality-p1.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“"Top student" at a 3rd tier school... Four years later - Parents Forum - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/905843-top-student-at-a-3rd-tier-school-four-years-later-p1.html</a></p>