@redbirddad - If you are looking for a technical institute, WPI in Worcester, Ma. is known for its project based curriculum and it is strong in both CS and Engineering. If you are interested in robotics, it has one of the top programs in the country. It is classified as a small research university because it has small Phd programs, but it is more undergrad/teaching focused. The engineering school is about 1800 students. (about the size of engineering at Rose Hulman). And the entire undergrad population is about 4,000. About 50% acceptance rate, offers merit scholarships.
If you are looking for more of an engineering LAC (like Olin), Tufts’ Engineering School in Medford/Somerville, Ma. is known for its innovative curriculum and is strong in both CS and engineering. It is classified as a small research university, but focuses on undergrad teaching as well. One of the top research areas is Engineering Education (K-16). They have had success teaching pre-kindergarten kids to program. Research results (which tend to support experiential learning) have been folded back into the undergrad curriculum. The Provost of Olin and the Dean of Admissions of Olin are from Tufts. The Engineering school at Tufts is about 750 students (about the size of Harvey Mudd and about twice the size of Olin). The entire undergrad population is about 5,000 (a little smaller than the Claremont Colleges). About 14% acceptance rate for engineering, no merit, but meets full need.