PocketProtector writes "It's about that time of year when high school seniors around the country are starting to apply for their university of choice. I am just one of those people. Like most other people on Slashdot, I am a technology-minded individual and as a result wish to go into a technology-orientated profession. Of course, the days are long gone when jobs were available to anyone with a diploma, so the question then becomes: where is the best place to receive one's degree? I am in a position where I could get a full ride at any of the state universities or be accepted to most universities around the country. If I attend any out of state universities, however, I will not only be punished with out of state tuition increases but will also not receive as much scholarship money as a result of the highly competitive nature of these universities. Is a degree from a more prestigious university (e.g. UC Berkeley of BSD fame) worth the large amount of debt I will acquire? Do potential employers prefer some applicants over others because of the university they got their degree from?"