How does he feel about the distance from home? Engineering majors are hard work, and sometimes at the end of finals it is nice to be able to sort of “melt” and relax, and have home be only a short car ride away vs. stressing to schlep yourself to the airport and waste a day traveling at each end of your break. Also, if you really think not wanting to spend money is his hang up, remember to factor in travel costs to Syracuse.
But if after considering all factors he still wants Syracuse, then Syracuse it should be. He should try to find a quiet dorm or a LLC (but that’s probably at any college for a kid who isn’t a big party person.)