For Computer Science, at What Point is it Advisable to Consider Cost or Prestige?

[Creekland]

@ucbalumnus

this criterion would also mean that most students who need big merit scholarships to afford college will find an unfulfilling academic experience because they are in the top few percent of students by prior academic credentials.

Not necessarily. Some schools attract a fair number of higher achievers via Honors Colleges and multiple good scholarships.

I believe College Board has an area where one can see percentages of students with X SAT/ACT scores.