Here is my general take on this:
Going to a top school can probably be a great experience, have you learn things from top professors/researchers in the field, get exposure to great companies recruiting at the university, be part of a pool of highly competitive high achieving students, etc. All this is probably worth a lot and might lead to one being better prepared, having connection or access to a network of people who might have more influence, connections, means, etc.
However, there is not sure path to success and the things mentioned above might give one a higher chance at success, but no guarantee. I would say that ones personality, ambition, and hard work play a huge factor in ones success, perhaps even a bigger factor, so I believe someone can be successful irrespective of the school they attended.
Taking on $100K+ debt at such young age is a huge risk as well. There are many problems with debt, but the major one I consider is how it ties you down and prevents you from taking risks and being able to take risks at a young age is really important. If one graduates with lots of debt, one has to have a steady job (and hopefully one that pays very well) to meet the financial obligations. That might hinder one's ability to take a job at an early stage startup or other opportunities that might enable one to learn and grow faster than working at a more stable company.
I personally like experiencing freedom from debt (as much as possible), so I would (and did) pursue the best educational option that would only cost an amount that I feel would still grant me a certain degree of freedom/risk-taking ability.
However, there is not sure path to success and the things mentioned above might give one a higher chance at success, but no guarantee. I would say that ones personality, ambition, and hard work play a huge factor in ones success, perhaps even a bigger factor, so I believe someone can be successful irrespective of the school they attended.
Taking on $100K+ debt at such young age is a huge risk as well. There are many problems with debt, but the major one I consider is how it ties you down and prevents you from taking risks and being able to take risks at a young age is really important. If one graduates with lots of debt, one has to have a steady job (and hopefully one that pays very well) to meet the financial obligations. That might hinder one's ability to take a job at an early stage startup or other opportunities that might enable one to learn and grow faster than working at a more stable company.
I personally like experiencing freedom from debt (as much as possible), so I would (and did) pursue the best educational option that would only cost an amount that I feel would still grant me a certain degree of freedom/risk-taking ability.