Wait ate state run schools like x state university?
But yeah I have some ideas for what I would like to major in, so I'll choose my college based on what I want know, and can maybe transfer if the major I want is more accreditation at another university.
Careful with transfers as some schools only accept so many credits, or only from certain things.. really, look at the field you want to be in. Many, I'd say most, fields it doesn't matter at all where you go to.. but, for example, MIT is SUPER well known and a big deal for certain highly paid IT fields.. if you're looking to be a big shot in innovative technology, that might be a good choice for you. Or, if you're very poor and want a full ride scholarship, Harvard might actually be an option for you..
Find what you want to do, and see if it even matters. Ask people actively working in that field. For a lot of film school people and stuff, starting out interning is much better for most than going to school itself at all.. Some, like my field, requires school but NONE fucks are given about which schools or how long you were there as long as you have that NCLEX pass.. Acting has particular schools, so does music..
But, I'd say for the average person, either a community college certification (like EMS, welding/pipe fitting, etc. etc.) is enough to break into the industry, and if you want a bachelor's degree for something (like teaching, secondary language, etc. etc.) most state universities are more than enough. When I say state university, I mean the state actually sponsors the college. In my area of Texas, it was Lone Star Community College, UT (University of Texas) and UoH (University of Houston). Every state has their own CC's and Uni's. They'll be the cheapest education you can get in your corner of the world more often than not.
What I did: Decided to be a nurse, decided to go to UT, looked up what transfer credits they accepted and what was needed for my degree, got the maximum amount of credits I could possibly get that would transfer to the nursing program I wanted, got VERY good grades in community college, and used that to have a decent GPA to get accepted into the program.
Fwiw, I really love community college and think it's a wonderful experience. I hated university.