[cpher]

I highly recommend UIUC. I grew up there, worked there, and took a CS course there for fun. However, I wouldn't reject small schools outright. A strong liberal arts college will open your eyes to lots of opportunities and you'll definitely have a more personal relationship with the faculty. Even at schools like UIUC, you'll feel like a small fish in a big pond, and trying to make sense of it all may be overwhelming.

[tsally]

I only reject small schools when it comes to technical disciplines like CS. Size and funding make all the difference when it comes to the courses offered and undergraduate research opportunities. I actually prefer small, liberal arts schools for all other types of education. :)