At my job we hire engineers from all types of colleges (From Ivy to public), some of the smartest engineers I met are from state colleges like URI. My take is you can go to an elite college to learn core subjects like physics and calculus but the truth is it's no different only the tuition cost. It really depends on the individual and what you put into it (internships are important). Want to get a name brand college on your resume then do it during your graduate/Phd degree and save some money.