CS at Penn State is not particularly strong. But any savings from going to CalPoly might be offset by travel costs. As others have said, if cost isn’t an issue, you really need to let him choose. If it is, you need a talk about massive student debt and how it effects life after graduation.
@greenbutton Can you explain why you say CS is not particularly strong at Penn State? They are ranked #30 on US News and tied at #63 on Niche along with Texas A&M and UF.
The career fair (recruitment) is an exceptional resource for PSU students. The alumni network is GOLD. It is huge. And all of that network/prospective employers/recruiters that have taken the same OChem as you creates quite an immediate connection.
@pilot2012 funny story about the career fair. I encouraged my freshman D to go in Fall - just to learn more for the future. “no, mom, I"m not going to get an internship as a freshman. I don’t want to be the only freshman there.”
One of her professors encouraged all kids to go - especially freshmen. He told them they will learn how to dress, what to carry, what to say. If there are open tables without lines, go talk to recruiters and practice. So when you are a sophomore, you will be prepared. And oh yeah, if kids wanted, he is happy to look at resumes and give feedback.
Guess what? She went. She learned. There was another career fair for her major last week on campus during the snow. She went and was the only freshman. Recruiters were impressed that she was there and said ‘talk to us next fall - we’d love to interview you’. She collected business cards and is following up with those recruiters.
so… what mom says? nah. What professor says? of course!
(and btw, she has an interview for an internship nearby when she is home over spring break!)
I don’t think PSU is inferior, but I don’t think they are churning out exemplary experiences for the majority of their students – and I mean, most students have a good solid foundation. But not exemplary ones. Those internships and experiences (true at all big schools) are for racehorses and go getters and upperclassmen and freshmen need to be like @lucyvanpelt 's daughter and get out ahead of the pack. In my experience at least, most 18-yr olds are not equpped to do that. DH works in a related field and often remarks that students are full of book learning but no problem solving experience. CS is a very fluid department , though, so change is always happening. And the field is so needy it may not matter where he goes.
The job fairs are very good IF your discpline is there. If it isn’t , still a good chance to practice with no bad outcome.
@lucyvanpelt – Yes! (and btw, that Supermom Cape suits you very well 
What great advice you gave your daughter and this approach will pay DIVIDENDS at Penn State. When I used to get some blowback (aka moaning, carping, crabbing) from suggestions I would say "what do you have to lose? This exchange occurred with DS about going to the Career Center for a mock interview. I told him “Each time you interview, you are polishing your presentation.” After much discussion (aka carping), he went, learned and shocking, found it worthwhile. Good thing he thought of it; or maybe a professor suggested it 
Keep up the great work – I hope her interview turns into a great opportunity.
@lucyvanpelt , hey your kiddo did better than mine. She went to her first career fair as a freshman and somehow got the back of her (probably too short) skirt caught up under her back pack. Flashed many would-be employers. Poor gal!
So many lessons learned…
She has a lovely pants suit picked out for this year’s event.
@Sophley that is a classic. someday, she will laugh at herself, but I’m sure she was mortified at the time. She could use it in her “what have you learned from a mistake” question and be memorable! And yes, my kiddo wore pants. Because it was cold, but you’ve pointed out another very good reason.
@pilot2012 I wish I could use the supermom cape, but it was much more of a case of ‘oooooh, if my prof said it, I must do it’.
With that being said, it brings me to the point that Penn State isn’t shy about their goals - to get you a good job. They start talking internships, jobs, career fair early. They have strong business fraternities. Other majors may not have as strong on campus interviewing (as Smeal majors), but the alumni base can be great. You DO have to pay attention to what employers are on campus when and be ready to go to an info session. You may have to dig into the alumni network and email and call people and network, but the information is there.
Although a great experience and in many cases a great education…make sure you know what you are buying…
How much of a Penn State graduate’s salary goes toward student loans?
https://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2017/12/05/how-much-of-a-penn-state-graduates-salary-goes.html
“Penn State alumni have the fourth-lowest median earnings 10 years after graduation and have to pay the biggest percentage of their monthly salary to student loan payments.”
Penn State is rated the worst in the Big 10. 42% of the starting salary goes to pay back student debt(14th out of 14).
@Sophley – That may be one for the ages! Love the pant selection this time.
@lucyvanpelt – We actually use the phrase “Someday we’ll laugh about this … but not today:)”
As an aside but important is that fact that your daughter recognizes the importance of creating a relationship with a Professor (ie he/she reads your resume, you make appt to discuss/perhaps feedback, encourage mentoring, etc.)
My son was a BIG believer in office hours!