<p>Everyone knows that for someone right out of college, their degree matters in getting them some of the best jobs. However, many people say work experience is more important down the line. Do you think a degree from a very good school (e.g. UIUC) will always give better opportunities than a degree from a not so well known school (e.g. UGA). Is there still a chance for the UGA guy if he graduates at the top of his class?</p>
<p>If you graduate at the top of your class there will always be opportunity in the US. However, unless there’s a specific reason (like cost) not to go to the better school, you should. A school like UIUC will pull more recruiters than a school like UGA. And if you live in GA then you should definitely go to GTech over UGA.</p>
<p>“Is there still a chance for the UGA guy if he graduates at the top of his class?”</p>
<p>Yes for UGA or any other school and for any other major. The first millionaire from my HS class went to a “below-average” college. The second millionaire never went to college.</p>
<p>Top performers will have plenty of opportunities. Might top performers from top schools have better opportunities? Maybe, but it could be hard to separate the variables (was going to a top school the secret sauce, or would the student have done well wherever s/he went?)</p>
<p>Graduates from UGA can get jobs at Microsoft, Google, Apple, Amazon, the DOE, DOD, etc… just like graduates from the top schools. The value of your degree is mostly determined by you, particularly at large, accredited and reputable institutions (and UGA is all of these).</p>