[prododev]

Where your kid goes to school is a status symbol. And like most status symbols, it is a foolish and conspicuous waste.

Americans love to root for teams and build their identities around what teams they are on. In sports, in politics, in college selection, even which state or city they are from. College selection is just an easy way to buy yourself into a team.

[grandempire]

I’m gonna need a steel man here. Is this real status they are buying? If so it has real impact?

These are otherwise shrewd people.

[prododev]

Bragging about where your kid goes to school is extremely common. It signals not only what can you afford (like a car), but also lets you buy and display a bunch of gear. (University name) Dad is like a super common apparel and bumper sticker item. And having, e.g., Stanford Dad is more prestigious than eg New Mexico State Dad apparel.

[drillsteps5]

Your second statement is accurate and contradicts your first statement. Going into the right school puts you on the right team which will make your future career easier, as your school affiliation will send the right signals to hiring managers/business partners/investors/customers/whoever you will need to work with.

[prododev]

Not in my industry (software engineering). Hiring managers barely care about what school you went to. It might afford you more career fair opportunities, but that's about it.

Now, some schools will give you more educational opportunities and better education, but honestly? The margins aren't that huge.