nepguy1,
If you are talking about University of Minnesota Twin Cities then hands down it is the best for Science/Engineering from the above list and it is also top 10 Engineering school in the country last time I checked (around 2007).
Most will argue with me saying Purdue University is the best but I don't blame them. Purdue also has good engineering programs and also falls in top 10 or 20. Deciding upon these two universities will depend on your major.
Now if money is the deal then join Georgia Southern University. I see eyebrows raised now!
Here is the scenario:
You go to UMN Twin cities or Purdue without funding/scholarship then you will struggle.
I don't know how much it will cost you to attend GSU but I assume its relatively cheaper then the above two.
Go to any decent accredited university you will be fine (if you are hardworking, smart and have good communication skills). It does not matter which school you go to (as long as it is accredited and decent) but it matters what you do there.
I can recall my interview for an Engineering position along with few Ivy league students. Couple of them were waiting outside for initial screening and that's how I found out. They were smart and cocky and with 4.0 GPA. Turns out they were all turned down and I got the offer which I decided not to take as I got something better. And let me remind you I went to a very small college in a backward state with a student body < 5k.
What you do in school matters, your internship matters! Your communication skills matters the most!!!! If you know your technical stuff but you cannot convey it then you wont be able to sell yourself. I've seen smart people but they cant translate whats in their head. Don't just go to school as a typical student does. Get involved in internship or research if you plan to pursue an academic career. Look outside the box. Everyone goes to school to get a degree, what will make your different? What extra can you do? Why should the employer hire you?
I see kids crying about economy and posting threads such as "how to save status" , "help me find desi consultancy", "need to file asylum" It just saddens me that people spend 4+ years here just going to school and learning nothing! Absolutely nothing! Getting a degree is not enough! Get this in your head the sooner the better. I know a guy who makes 50K and started programming after high School. He never went to college. Think!
I wish you all the best.
Regards,
Incandescent