@Heckofatrip Here are some OOS merit options in the western states:
Research universities: ASU and U of AZ offer good money for stats for OOS students. You can plug your kids numbers into their online calculators to get a merit estimate. ASU has the well-regarded Barrett Honors College. U of AZ just launched a beautiful new honors college. U of NM offers in state tuition for OOS students under the Amigo scholarship. Total COA is about 20K per year. Mountains relatively accessible from these campuses.
Regional Universities: He’d probably get a good amount of merit money at Northern Arizona University - Flagstaff is a beautiful location and not far from the Grand Canyon. Western Washington University north of Seattle also has some OOS merit money - your son would likely get their highest award which would bring COA down to about 29K per year. Gorgeous location for outdoor pursuits and strong in environmental science.