<p>I’ll speak for both the adults and the kids. Of the adults who went to top tier universities, one has struggled since the dot.com bust, but in the aggregate has done very well. Everyone who hears where she went to school still oohs and aahs. For another adult who did not go to a top tier university but does hold a doctorate, he has struggled to overcome some of the stigma, but managed to achieve international prominence due to sheer force of will and hard work. If you asked him if he could do it over and go to the more prestigious institution in the first place, he would say, yes. That was the counsel he gave his children. Two of the three went to top tier universities (and one holds a graduate degree from Oxford) and unquestionably, the networking and the prestige landed them in top flight professional opportunities. One that went to mediocre university has still managed to get into his career of choice (criminal justice) and he’s thrilled. My opinion: go to the best institution that is the best fit for you and that has a tight and supportive alumni network that will take care of you for the long haul.</p>