My D has a handful of friends from HS who went to “non famous/non elite” small regional schools, that no one ever mentions on CC, for engineering. All three are gainfully employed and had no problems working in their fields (two mech es and one chem e).
My H’s last company actually switched recruiting strategies when he was there to stop going to the big name schools in the area, and focus on the regional programs (not necessary LACs but also the regional universities) because the kids at the big name schools were less likely to want to stay in the area, and were more interested in using the company as a stepping stone, vs making it their career. Also saved the company on relocation costs.
We often read on here how humanities and social sciences are important, but college enrollment is declining, schools are cutting these programs, and those without financial stability (large endowments, ability to fundraise) are shuttering.
The reality is that today - not for all but for the masses, STEM wins.
I’m not sure there is really a distinction there. Of course LACs have always done plenty of the S and M in STEM, but to the extent they are beefing up the T and E, I’m sure it is because of rising potential demand among students, but in turn that is because potential students see that as meeting rising demand among employers.