East coast College suggestions for piano performance

I’d appreciate any input you may have to help my son with his college search process. He is
a rising senior. We live in NJ and he would like to stay within a days drive from home.
He would like to study piano performance as an UG and hopes to study music theory or
Musicology at a graduate level. He’s a relatively strong student: 2210 SATs (700 reading, 780 math,
730 writing) and has about a 100 gpa (reasonably rigorous schedule - some AP and IB classes but not all).

He’s an Eagle Scout, lifeguard, and has your typical list of extracurriculars. He is our 3rd child-- we expect
to receive no need- based financial aid. He is a solid musician but not at conservatory level. He was “evaluated”
by a Rutgers prof who indicated that Rutgers Mason Gross would a good match ( but not a sure thing). He is also
considering Temple and McGill. Any ideas on other schools to consider? Cost must be a consideration as
well as he’d like a school reasonably rigorous academically to ensure he is prepared for grad school.

You might get more informed suggestions if you post this on the music major thread. Good luck!
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/

Eastman School at University of Rochester. That is a great option because its part of an outstanding comprehensive university.

Eastman is one of the best conservatories in the country. The level of the kids who go there does not differ much from Juilliard or Curtis or other top conservatories. It doesn’t sound like it would make sense for your son.

NYU has an excellent program but the school often doesn’t give out great aid. He might qualify for aid at Bard.