<p>I think it depends on your child. Is he/she the type that will take advantage of all that Princeton has to offer, or only do the classwork required of them? Are they a self starter? While Princeton offers much, it is only available to those who reach out for it. If your child is unlikely to go listen to a famous guest lecturer or see a Nepalese dance group, then what's the point in paying for it? I believe that one gets out of their school according to how much they are willing to reach out and grab it. If the student will graduate debt free with a good education from a less prestigious, but good school they are still well served. It's a family descision and either way you will be ok.</p>