Is undergrad more important than grad, especially to get a job? Is it better to attend a top college for undergrad?
Firstly, as far as landing a job, the graduate school would be more important in the eyes of employers. The reason for this is a matter of economics; the supply of those with graduate degrees is far smaller than the supply of those with bachelors, so graduate degree-holders are more valued as employees.
To answer your second question, I think it depends. You would surround yourself with other intelligent, highly-motivated students at a “top” college, but this is also true in the honors college of a “lower level” university, and they might give you even more financial aid. (I put the terms “top” and “lower level” in quotes because I want to emphasize that there is the ranking, and then there is the place where you would thrive. Those two things are not the same).
Generally, maintaining a good GPA is easier at an honors college than a T20 university.
On the other hand, you may want the challenge of fighting for grades. Personally, I would chose the LATTER; being challenged is a good thing.
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