I do not totally agree.  The institution at the top of the diploma can matter.  I went to the other School of Mines down south in Colorado.   I am quite certain that it impacted at least 1st impressions which is all important.  After I went back to my childhood career < farming> 25 years ago I have done quite a bit of consulting work to help keep the farm finances in the green.  More than 1 job I know having the Mines at the top at least made an impression if not a difference in getting the job.  I agree, once you are working it does not matter except perhaps when it comes to promotions or career opportunities. But it can help get a foot in the door.

I have worked with SDSM grads and they are good well-rounded engineers in my opinion.  It has a good reputation in the engineering world.  Maybe not an MIT, CSM or TAM but right in there at the top.  My son and I looked at SDSM when he was a senior.  I was impressed with what I saw and would liked to have gone there if I was 19 years old.  Seemed to focus a lot on hands-on projects which is great.  In the end he decided to farm and went to an ag tech school in Nebraska.  He is now managing the farm while I just help out and do some consulting work as needed.  He is happy and doing a good job.  His friend went to SDSM on a football scholarship.  Lasted 1 year.  He is back farming.  He really only went there for the sports and it didn't work out for him.  Not sure if he flunked out or just quit.

The next big decision is what kind of engineer to be.  He probably has a couple of years to figure that out.