[legion]

For some, an Ivy League education helps cement connections that one probably already had beforehand. ("Your boy is at Harvard, have him give me a call for an internship...")

For the rest of us, it's just a more expensive means to the same end. My sister-in-law went to U of I, my wife and I to Illinois State. My sister-in-law paid double the tuition for 5 years (my wife and I graduated in 4 years). She graduated with a massive heap of debt (she got a student loan to pay for an overpriced student apartment with a hot tub). She majored in psychology (it was fun--she says) and now works as a temp for a few bucks over minimum wage. She's not dumb, but she sure lacks the ability to see the big picture some times.