My S has been accepted to several MT BFA programs and has narrowed his choices down to Syracuse or Penn State. He is agonizing over the decision and May 1 is quickly approaching. Both of these schools were in his top 3. He absolutely wanted a top MT BFA program within a med - large school with lots of school spirit and great athletic teams. His problem is certainly not a bad one to have and I know he will be happy at either place. Location and weather at either school is not an issue. What it comes down to is which school has a better MT program? Which school has more opportunities to perform? Is one school more acting, voice or dance focused than the other? Anyone out there already an MT student at Syracuse and willing to shed any light on the majority of time spent at Syracuse Stage facility and it being somewhat off the main campus? Do all MT students work with the equity actors at Syracuse Stage? I just want my son to be happy with his decision and gather as much information as possible. It seems that Penn State MT is higher ranked in the MT world and both schools have amazing alumni networks. Anyone out there have anymore info they would be willing to share? Thank you! Feel free to share any info here or private message.
I received my BFA in Musical Theatre from Syracuse (1994) and my MFA in Directing from Penn State (2002). I also had the opportunity to see current students and recent alums audition (and worked with some) in my former capacity as the artistic director of a summer theatre, and am friends with more recent alumni.
Both are VERY strong programs! From a training and networking perspective both are great. However, the social environments, and the training models are quite different. So, it really comes down to in which environment your son wants to spend the next four years growing as an artist and a person… which feels the most right from a training and social perspective. The people you go to college with often end up being some of your closest friends for life, so “fit” is important when you are fortunate enough to have a choice. 
Feel free to PM me, and I am happy to answer your son’s specific questions to the best of my ability, or put him in touch with more recent alums I am friends with from both schools if possible.
Congrats to your son!
Just in general-- The Syracuse campus is pretty compact (with Syracuse Stage being slightly off campus, I know.) Whereas the Penn State campus is massive. There’s also a Q of access ability/travel to/from-- Syracuse has the larger airport, if you need to fly. Then there’s Penn State football vs. Syracuse basketball - Both very exciting, in different ways. What nice choices to have!