I’m assuming you mean in pedigree (true) but you’d not necessarily be correct in the career outcome.
Sent you a A PM. See the green envelope in the upper right.
i had the same thoughts as you when mine turned down Purdue with merit. His words that rank/perception are for magazine sales and parents rang hollow to me but his outcome and amount of interviews and offers proved me wrong.
And let’s be honest, campus wise Purdue is nice. Bama is pristine. UIUC not so nice …ok that’s subjective. But many feel the same way.
best of luck.