The 5 best aviation schools is subjective. What's the best university in the country? Same question.
ER and Phoenix East are different schools, with different programs, and different resourses.
Depends on how you do on entrance exams, SAT, ACT ect.
Airlines really don't care where you go to school, or what your degree is in for the most part. Some have hiring agreements that will get you in the door with lower times but having the personality of a rock, or being a jerk won't get you anywhere.
Time and experience are what matters. Your certificates don't say where you went.
Also, reading the other threads in this fourm you'll find answers to most of your questions.