Any other program that at least comes close to YC?
Is there any other program than YC that has a similarly high reputation. Maybe Techstars or 500Startups. I heard that those programs are quite good but not very good compared to YC.
YC's reputation is probably 2x stronger than Techstars, but that doesn't directly translate to a 2x higher value-add.
Both programs are a lot different and will jumpstart your company. They've both been 100% worth it.
Note: Techstars programs between cities can be dramatically different (different people running each city), so I can only speak for Techstars NYC.
http://www.techstars.com/companies/stats/
Doesn't seem bad to me.
But you're right Being in Boston or Boulder can be quite different.