Thanks for that link, @insanedreamer. Still not clear to me if we’re comparing like to like, but I would not be surprised if Georgia Tech and UIUC engineering grads earn more than SLU ones. The question is, HOW much more, and is it enough to offset any debt required to attend the better-rated schools?
According to the numbers the OP has has right now ($16k/yr COA for SLU or $50k for GT/UIUC), that’s a $136k difference between CT/UIUC and SLU over four years. Is a higher starting salary, even if it’s $10-20k more, worth that?
For many, if it can be done without taking out big loans (beyond the Stafford, for example), it would definitely be worth it. Beyond that? Much tougher call.