<p>Location matters a lot. Its importance increases as you go down the selectivity scale. Top students will desirable even if they’re in the backwoods (Dartmouth), but if you’re in NYC at a less selective school, you may have difficulty landing a position with the most desirable employers. </p>
<p>An important thing to also keep in mind is how the regional economies affect the wealth of a school and also its post-graduate placement opportunities. If you attend college in a depressed state or regional economy, then you’re virtually required to relocate to a distant spot where you may or may not be in a competitive position vs the local, more entrenched colleges.</p>