I was wondering the same sort of thing for a PhD program. If the program isn't high ranking would that effect the initegrity of my degree? I have not decided if I would like to be a professor and do research for the area I live in or if I would just like to do rsearch for the area I live. Would I be less likely to be placed as a professor if I worked hard at a not so amazing school? I applied to many well ranking schools and didn't get into any (5 rejects so far). If I get into a not that amazing school should I pursue the program or just try and apply to the better programs next year?