<< UT - Austin >>
Best school in Texas, and a hell of a public school, great engineering program, and a HUGE student body--largest college in America I believe, with nearly 40,000 undergrads alone.
<< Berkeley >>
Most "prestiguous" public school in the country, and one of the most all around, tremendous business and engineering schools. Campus is great, but the city around it isn't quite as. Expect HUGE classrooms, lots of competition, lots of radical type people. The quality of education is hard to beat, but be ready to face some tough conditions outside the classroom. But it is basically the "real world" out there, and should exhibit you to such conditions. However San Fran and other locations is only a train ride away as well. It's nearly impossible be admitted from out of state though, as nearly 90% of their undergrads are from in state.
<< U Chicago >>
Another prestigious school, and also has a great campus but not so great off campus. Very tough to get in as well, but does offer a tremendous "all around" education, and is most famous I think for economics. And in Chicago, you'll find plenty to do. It's a private school so expect to get lots of loans if you don't want to be in deep debt.
<< Duke >>
Duke has great natural science and engineering programs, but is often overshadowed by their basketball team. Great looking campus, and not a bad choice either.
I've never heard of that Illinois school though, but you can find info on it at USNews..