Don't Fall for the Prestige Trap: What Really Matters in the College Search

You’re a high school junior diving into the college search—or maybe you’re a parent helping guide the way. No matter your role, there’s one major pitfall you should avoid: the prestige trap.

This is the mindset that gets students stuck—not only during the college application process but sometimes for years afterward. Even students who say they "fell in love" with their first-choice school often started researching it because of its name recognition and status. And while there's nothing wrong with appreciating a school's reputation, prestige should never be the only lens through which you choose a college.

Here’s the truth: Your value and your future success are not determined by the name printed on your diploma. You are the author of your success. As Jeff Selingo wisely notes in Who Gets In and Why, “Success in college is about how you go, not just where you go.” (p. 5)

One of the most effective tools we use with our students is Roadtrip Nation's Roadmap Tool. It allows students to explore a wide variety of careers and see where successful professionals earned their undergraduate degrees. The results are often surprising.

You’ll find that many highly accomplished professionals graduated from universities you may not have heard of—especially if you’re researching colleges from abroad. These schools are not "backup plans" or “consolation prizes.” In fact, they often rank higher than household-name institutions in categories like quality of undergraduate teaching, student satisfaction, return on investment, and early career earnings.

Need examples?

• Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Walmart, earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas.

• Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, studied industrial engineering at Auburn University.

• Mike Wirth, CEO of Chevron, graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder.

And the list goes on.

So why does this matter? Because time and again, research and real-world success stories confirm: It’s not where you go. It’s what you do when you get there.

If you’re a parent, we highly recommend reading Frank Bruni’s book, Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be. It’s a powerful reminder that the college experience is deeply personal and unique—and that prestige doesn’t guarantee happiness, growth, or future success.

As you explore your options, stay focused on what really matters: finding a college where you’ll thrive, grow, and become the best version of yourself.

Let your uniqueness shine. Think beyond the name. And remember: you define your future—not a college brand.