A college is a college is a college. Great grades in high school doesn't assure you a top 10 spot, heck a 4.0 and a 1800 won't even get you into harvard. They turned down like half the people with that. The important thing is that you get an accredited degree and not where you get the degree. Sure you can bust your ass get into a state university get into some job which is a "great job." but you can also put in a half assed effort and go to a state college get a "good job." and the bonus is you didn't waste your youth.