This.
But I have to say that while there are students getting a better education at WSU, there are likely more students recieving a better education at the University of Washington (all else being equal).
Rankings are not to be disregarded, because they are established for a reason. Don't get too caught up in them, but there's a reason UCLA is ranked higher than Idaho State, and not because one is bigger. There are definitely some exceptions to these rankings, and WSU is certainly one of them, and commonly underratted when compared to UW.
It is agreed that this ranking and prestige shit that plagues many peoples college choice will not help the quality of one's education when comparing two schools that are relatively similar (to a certain extent). However, they will help after graduation. Someone who gets a 3.8 at UW in most given fields seems more likely to have greater opportunities on their plate than someone who attends WSU and receives the same grade point (again, all else being equal). Look into the research opportunities of both, the lab space, the hands on learning, as well as aspects that help you as a student. You're essentially shopping for your education, so get the best bang for your buck, and if WSU has a better learning environment for you than UW, then by all means, go.
In the end, it's going to depend on how you use what either college provides for you.
I have a friend who goes to WSU, and he comes back West on the breaks to ski Stevens.
Never heard of someone going over to Pullman on a skiing/snowboarding venture.
But again, refer to the OP that I quoted. I definitely had to ask myself that after being accepted to schools. You're going to school to learn, not ski. Skiing is extra.