It seems that at least twice a year on CC there are entire threads devoted to whether or not it’s “worth it” to pay more money for the more prestigious college or take the cheaper option. It’s is a regular topic of debate, and often you will see questions about two specific college choices when RD decisions roll around in the spring. It might be helpful to go back and read through some of those threads. There are always plenty of comments for and against.
This thread asking if parents regretted being full pay is also interesting: