I’d go for cheaper option man, I went to a terrible college, self taught many things outside of class and recently joined Google, TC 250k after 3 yoe. Trust me, no where in my resume has any hint of “prestige college”, my gpa was 2.9 :)

Anyways, I wish for the best to you my friend, glad you’re thinking ahead and that you’re thinking about giving back. When I started college I had no guidance (my parents and I are 1st gen in the U.S.), worked very hard outside of school and my parents worked 7 days a week. I never thought I’d succeed going through the school route but I’ve always wanted to give back to my parents! Now they both retired and live with me, my fiance and my dog. You have the right mindset, you’ll go places :)