Decision time! Which engineering school to go to in the Northeast?

Hello everyone. Hope everyone is safe and well during this difficult time! My son has been accepted into Mechanical Engineering program at SUNY UB, Clarkson, Syracuse, Rochester, WPI, Rose Hulman… Cost is a big factor for us. UB and Clarkson would cost about the same after scholarships (about 20k per year out of pocket ), all others would cost us +10k more.
Due to pandemic we are unable to visit any school. Based on ranking, WPI seems to have the best program, but not realistic for us financially. We are leaning towards UB and Clarkson, which school should be pick? It is a big decision! Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

Your son has good options! Either UB or Clarkson are going to give him a solid foundation in engineering.

You may want to look at the UB and Clarkson subforums to get more insight.

My D really liked Clarkson. Strong career center with wonderful outcomes. We know lots of very successful Clarkson engineers.

I would also give the edge to Clarkson, know a few engineers who went there who liked it a lot, but that was in the 80s, so take with a grain of salt.

My friend’s son goes to UB and really likes it.

My son (civil e) is leaning towards Clarkson - we know several grads and current students and have heard only positive things. Have you seen this?

https://www.clarkson.edu/accolades

I don’t know the answer to your question, but I would look into:

Your top three choice of majors, and

Freedom to change majors.

Most students do not graduate in the major which was at the top of their list when a HS senior.

Both are fine universities!

Thanks everyone for your valuable feedback!
Clarkson touts its high placement rate 96%. Seems very impressive! Does anyone know anything about its internship/ Co-op program? Do students have to find these opportunities themselves or school offers assistance?
Thanks!