FWIW, my D choose Purdue specifically because it DIDN’T have a grind culture. She has found it very, very collaborative and not at all competitive. Maybe it’s her friend group but she has found it very low pressure.
Yes, she works her tail off but has found her project and study groups to be fun and for the most part, an extension of her friend group.
But, each kid is different and if yours feels like Syracuse is the right place, then you have your answer. At the end of the 4 years, he’ll have his degree and in the end that’s what matters most!