<p>To play the Devil’s advocate for a minute,</p>
<p>A great student at a mediocre state school can go very far. As one of the best students at the school, you will be given special opportunities above those of the rest of the class. If you shine at a school where everybody doesn’t shine, you can connect with professors (who are often very important in their fields at state schools) in a way that you may not be able to at a school where you are simply another fish. You would also be able to graduate with a very high GPA, I presume, which would put you in wonderful position for any graduate work you decide to pursue. Most state schools and other “lower” level schools have honors programs where you can be in smaller classes and get some special treatment. It would also, of course, be free (or close), putting you in an advantageous position for future loans, buying an apartment or house, and simply starting an adult life.</p>