Our kids have limited options due to finances. However, even amg the " lower cost" options, there is a huge variant in available opportunities. Does the school have full course offerings with frequent availability? Can advanced students take grad level classes? What are students doing after graduation?
My kids would be short changed at the local directional school bc the are advanced and would face taking a lot of classes independent study. Dd has not found any kids in her future major who have plans after graduation. Not a good sign. Other high merit options, however, have great opportunities. For example, earning masters while an UG. Great internships. Alumni profiles showing where those internships have taken students.
I personally don’t believe that prestige matters. But, I i absolutely believe solid academics needs to be combined with opportunities for students to be more than just a classroom goer. (Of course it is up to the student to be proactive.)