<p>Browsing through the boards, I've seen a lot of people in the "ranking vs. money" dilemma. Is it really worth it to shed out so much money and take out so many loans to cover a school with a "name-brand?" Especially for undergrad? Does where you go for undergrad really even matter that much? </p>
<p>Personally, I've thought long and hard about my decision. My top choice was a top 30 out of state school which I got into, but I'm not wealthy and in this economy I've decided it would be more wise for me and my family to attend my state school.</p>
<p>If the in-state school has the resources to help you achieve your goals, it’s the best fit financially and academically. Also, consider the fact that college is a place where people find out what they want to do with their life. What happens if you go to the “name-brand” school for one thing and find out you want to do something completely different after a year of out-of-state tuition costs?</p>
<p>People who want to go to graduate school doesn’t seem to realize that graduate school is pretty effing expensive and that there are less financial aid opportunities available! You’re going to the same destination, just via a different road. One road just costs more than the other.</p>