How important is it really to go to a big-name school?

I've been hearing a lot about the advantages of going to a big-name university, but are there any examples of people who became successful after attending smaller colleges?

Your question hits an interesting topic, as the rational belief is that graduates from big-name universities are more likely to be successful. However, this is not always the case. Success correlates with individual commitment, diligence, and passion, more than the reputation of the college attended.

Many successful people in varied fields attended smaller colleges, showing that prestigious institutions don't hold a monopoly on successful graduates. Take for instance, Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, who went to Putney, a small liberal arts college before attending Stanford. Comedian Stephen Colbert attended Northwestern’s School of Communication, which is not as known globally as the Ivy League schools but still gave him a strong basis for his career.

Additionally, considering it from an academic perspective, smaller colleges oftentimes are able to provide closer student-faculty relationships, more individualized attention, and even opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and hands-on learning experiences. All of these can contribute significantly to not only immediate post-graduate success but also long-term career and personal growth.

Moreover, success isn't always just about the financial aspect. Being happy with your job, maintaining a good work-life balance, and feeling fulfilled in the workplace are all aspects of success that aren't always captured in salary statistics or famous alumni lists. Those factors can often be influenced more by the individual choices you make and the values and work ethic you develop in college, not necessarily where you go to college.

In conclusion, while attending a big-name university might provide some advantages based on reputation and perhaps networking potential, there are equally powerful examples of individuals who attended smaller colleges and went on to successful careers. It really comes down to what you make of your college experience, no matter where you are.