Purdue or NCSU, U of Alabama, Embry Riddle or UCONN- Engineering

My son has narrowed down his choices for Aerospace Engineer- interested in all things space.

Purdue OOS
North Carolina State OOS
UAlabama Tusca (Honors, with scholarships) 19k
UAlabama Huntsville (Honors, with scholarships) (just room and board)
Embry Riddle (with scholarship 30k a year)
UCONN (Stem Scholar + Honors and scholarship (27k)- Mechanical with AE concentration

Because of COVID19 he was NOT able to visit, Purdue, ERAU or UCONN. (He visited the Alabamas, and some other schools including Virginia Tech- did not like, and U Maryland- was ok- but its the most pricey, and a few others).

We’re looking for assistance on

  1. The best program for a quiet, hardworking kid.
  2. He would probably enjoy “typical” college life (Sports, homecoming) but is willing to compromise.
  3. He is interested in Space - internships and or research with space
  4. He believes reputation is important, but is a bit frugal, so reputation + Price.
  5. He has a number of AP credits, and is interested in programs that he could perhaps get a MBA or Masters in 5 years- but willing to compromise.
  6. We think he’d do better in an environment where students are not hyper competitive against each other, but help and generally are “in it together”

We live in MA, he has spent time in Huntsville at Space Camp, and the midwest (Missouri) and liked the people. So I think he’ll find his niche wherever. I wish we could get a feel for the campuses, but its all been canceled.

He’d really appreciate any opinions, GOOD, BAD or Neutral.
Thank you!