You might be onto something. That must be why USCGA is ranked far behind WP, USNA, USAFA at #113.
See
http://www.forbes.com/colleges/united-states-coast-guard-academy/
In all seriousness, the individual themself has a lot more to do with where they end up versus anything else. If a bunch of high caliber, driven students attend a school (and they are able to shed the average caliber slackers), then the average measured metrics will go up.
If that school which is full of high performing students eventually gains some prestige, then the school name itself will open up doors and build relationships with other high performing graduates. I propose if x% of the people have never heard of USAFA, then that will have a small impact. Yes, name recognition matters.
Speaking of relationships, I've noticed that WP AOG's have a much tighter networking group. Maybe because a lot of USAFA grads have one goal in mind; to fly planes and don't find the desire to network. It's just a thought....