My topic/research question is: is it worth it for a middle-class student to attend an elite private university if they incur massive amounts of debt from it?

Unresolved question: If you have the grades to get into an elite private, but not the money (around $250K), should you go there? Will you be just as successful at a state school?

What is known:
-Having a bachelor's degree matters
-Your grades in high school are indicators of future success
-Certain school names matter (Ivies, Emory, etc.)
-Elite privates have more wealthy students than public schools
-State schools incur lower debt

What is unknown:
-If state schools produce the same results as elite privates for two equally smart students
-How much the school name matters
-If elite privates have a new way to combat debt

Major scholars:
Dale and Krueger argue that where you go to school does not matter (the debt is not worth it!)
Weissman (not as much of a "scholar") argues that the name does matter

Data:
-Average student loan debt from a middle class student at an elite private
-Income after graduation for state school student vs elite private student
-Satisfaction with college choice 10 years after graduation

Hubsite
Website