I think it's more along the line my 15 year old son presents.
He told me that Penn State was officially off his list, even if they offered him a full ride, because, as he said, "Going through life hearing stale cracks about getting a degree from 'Pedd State' isn't something to look forward to."
BTW, his mother and uncle are Penn State grads.
A Penn State degree may become devalued if there are less applicants, thus forcing lower quality students to be admitted.
That would reflect on Penn Staters your son’s age, but should not affect people like me who have already graduated.