Should I pursue an MLIS at Big College, Little College, or The College of Not at All?

After getting laid off, realizing my current career isn't what I want to do with my life, and having dismal luck job-hunting, I'm applying to grad school for an MLIS. I have been weighing my school choices and my potential debt against what people are saying about job opportunities for new graduates. I'd like some advice about what to do.

I'm waiting to hear back from the University of Missouri. I qualify for resident tuition, the program looks solid, and I think I can get a job on campus. I'm hoping to do some networking while I'm there. But the job's not a sure thing, and I'm leery of taking on an extra 10-15k in student loans to cover cost of living in addition to 15k for tuition. I could remain where I am and take mostly online courses from the university, but I'm dying to quit my crappy job and move.

In case Mizzou does not accept me, I'm also belatedly applying to a smaller college that has a satellite campus nearby. The smaller college has similar tuition. My impression is that I wouldn't have a hard time getting in, but the school may have less name recognition (relatively speaking). Attending this college means I would keep my crappy but bill-paying job and would have less debt.

In the current job climate, do you think it's wise to choose the bigger college, with its potential networking and job opportunities but greater debt load? Or should I play it safe and pick the smaller college?

Or—am I making a mistake in pursuing this career? I've heard jobs can be scarce for new grads, even for those with volunteer experience who are willing to move to Podunksville for a job. Should I run away screaming while I have the chance?