<p>I wholeheartedly agree with Post #7 that one can have a life-changing experience at many colleges other than those on Loren Pope’s list. Therefore, I wouldn’t be so narrow in my consideration of schools. It depends on the school and the environment you find on campus, and the personality and motivation of the particular student.</p>
<p>That being said, a few LAC have formal associations with excellent engineering schools, often called 3/2 agreements. Look at these schools…</p>
<p>Pomona College, CA
Beloit College, WI
St. Lawrence University, NY</p>
<p>Also investige these engineering schools:
Rensalaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
Texas Christian University
U of Tulsa, OK
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA</p>
<p>I agree with Roderick - Rose-Hulman (at least from appearances) is a perfect match with your goals. They also have pretty good merit aid for some kids. I know there are nearby schools where a student can cross-register.</p>
<p>Six of my classmates went to Rose-Hulman in the 80s (when it was still single-sex) and they all turned out to be successful engineers. In the engineering world, it is well regarded. Your son should consider it, as long as he understands that it has a very large Greek culture. That being said, not all Greeks are the same. 40% of the kids pledge there, but it is not about cut-throat competition as much as it is friendship and something organized to do.</p>
<p>Even schools with a big fraternity/sorority footprint have lots of students (typically a majority) who don’t join. (I’m speaking from personal experience.)</p>
<p>Well. Carnegie Mellon (CMU) is ranked pretty highly for both engineering and performing arts - including music. I wouldn’t say that CMU is a warm and fuzzy school though.</p>
<p>LakeWashington has made a good suggestion, only I would add (or clarify) that many LACs have 3-2 arrangements with very good engineering schools. The LAC doesn’t necessarily have to be a top-ranked institution, either- the key generally is to achieve a certain GPA (usually around a 3.0 or a 3.25, occasionally higher or lower) in your first 3 years’ work (in a science-related field that feeds the engineering curriculum) in order to insure admission to the chosen engineerng program.</p>
<p>Swarthmore is a small college that offers engineering. Haverford, which is in a consortium with Swat, has an engineering partnership with Caltech, though I’m not sure if they offer the actual major. If you’re interested in visiting, they’re very close to each other. Also, look into Grinnell, a liberal arts college known for its strong science programs. And of course, there’s Harvey Mudd.</p>
<p>“small, change lives-type” immediately brings to mind “liberal arts college” for me. I definitely recommend an overnight stay at any one of them to see how it feels for your son.</p>