In the end, OP said it’s up to her child but her child has pivoted off Purdue.
We all have bias - and when we say our kids did well from a school, it’s implying (not directly but sort of in hidden form), that maybe they can’t do well from elsewhere.
I think OP is struggling that her child has pivoted as OP loves Purdue - and who wouldn’t as a parent?
That said, they are going to see Syracuse and her son will determine - from a campus feel, from seeing the engineering school - is this truly home or was his on paper analysis a bit off and Purdue it is.
Nothing beats that visit.
But truth is, OP will do fine at both.
I hope the trip helps to clear things up for him!!