You are very true. I feel the same way. Had he got admissions in COE in college station too, he will have choice between two institutions with similar academic standings.
Also, at undergraduate level, I feel the university being well connected is important than rankings. For that matter, I am asking my son to consider Alabama(which ranking wise far below), but seems to be well connected in Industry from what I hear(in terms of placement or internship). Needless to say, he has full fees waiver awarded there. Also student pool became competitive because of this scholarship. More than 50% of students are OOS having this scholarship(meaning having similar good academic competitiveness).
I saw in one thread that somebody appealed and got it switched in Texas A&M. But I do not remember that thread now. If you see that posting somewhere, let me know.
Thanks for all your inputs.