I am sort of in that situation. My girlfriend and I got into the top programs for our fields, mine in Southern California and hers in Boston. My family told me, and her family told her, that a solid relationship is more important than the career, and having someone that is marriage potential will be a lifelong investment that will provide more happiness and that isn't worth the risk of losing over a career or education.
We both got into the top schools for our respective fields, and we both decided to go to our schools and continue our relationship in long distance. I don't think we will sacrifice each other, but we definitely chose schools above our relationship. In my mind, selecting the right school is placing my partner as a top priority because I think of my girlfriend benefiting from the opportunities that I will get from completing school.
I think if it really came down to it, black or white as posed in the OP, I would pick a relationship over a career or schooling.