[dore]

a) Financial situation is probably gonna trump all, because it's worth it to not be in debt.

b) Programs matter too. Don't go to a college that doesn't have an engineering school if you want to be an engineer. Make sure the school's strengths match your interests if possible.

c) A good college GPA and good GRE/LSAT/whatever scores will get you into grad schools you want even if you go to a smaller school for undergrad. Just know that that compromise must be matched by excelling in undergrad, otherwise you're just another mediocre candidate from a small school. Reputation of school will win you tiebreakers but your other strengths will carry you.