Don't underestimate the huge advantage of graduating with zero student debt, which currently averages around $40,000 for graduates. "they aren't great schools"

Don't underestimate the huge advantage of graduating with zero student debt, which currently averages around $40,000 for graduates. "they aren't great schools" - by what measure are you using to validate this statement? Most companies do not care where you got your degree, although you will run into asshole gatekeepers (HR) that have their own unjustified bias. The further along you get in your career, the less it matters where you went to school.