<p>My son is deciding between Syracuse and Penn State UP for mechanical engineering. He does not mind the cold weather and is hoping to fit in some snowboarding. Any thoughts on the 2 schools for engineering. We live in the midwest.</p>
<p>I can’t comment on the engineering program but i will on the two schools. My d attends SU and we spent an overnight visiting UP last year. When we visited, my D thought that UP offered less than SU in terms of the surrounding area. After one year, I would say that they are both very similar - for both, the campus will be the focus of their life. There is great school spirit at both schools. I do think that SU can provide a little more of a small school feel with the college system that may not be there for Penn State. Also, in terms of the weather - my son in NYC had more snow this year than my D in Syracuse. So decide on the school for the academic program, network, and internship opportunities.</p>