I was reading through all this and wanted to add my commentary - My DH went to a state school for undergrad and MBA. He had gotten out of the service and state schools were free due to a veteran grant. Post MBA he ended up getting hired by McKinsey - hired straight from a state school MBA program!! He graduated with minimal debt and a fantastic job. Yes, there were many McK coworkers that had graduated from top MBA schools but he found a large group that went to his state school for undergrad.
Didn't want this to get lost in moderation-delay-- it's a great point!
I think that Tom Petty says it best, really--
If you don't know* where you're going, any road will take you there. 
* I'd argue that probably nobody really does, either, life having this persistently random quality about it.
Of course, Jon is perceptive as ever. In a completely random moment this morning I was pondering the fact that
I could have chosen MUCH better if I were interested in Glory and showered with accolades and fame. And then I started
humming-- and laughing.
