[Eugenia Gabrielov]

Mike - It's great that you're looking at this now.

Your first priority should be atmosphere. MIT will have a different atmosphere than U Conn, which will have a different atmosphere than say, a small liberal arts college. I highly recommend applying to schools across the spectrum. Try to apply to a couple schools with Rolling Admission. These schools analyze applications "first come, first served", so you can get your app in during September and be accepted by November, giving you a chance to consider what you want and compare financial aid.

Whichever school is the best for you will be the best one to get you a job. I would say that in undergraduate, it doesn't matter, and many professors and other people I know have taught me that for a long time. I'll be very honest, if you are wanting to go to grad school, it is what you do during undergrad that determines where you to go grad. Most people rate PhDs by where they went to grad school, not where they got Bachelor's. I would say if you are going for just bachelor's, try to get to a big name school, but if you want a PhD I think there is more flexiblity, and you could choose the less expensive option. Good luck with everything!