Thank you for all the suggestions! Quick notes on them all:
Clarkson actually checks a ton of boxes (entrepreneurship/innovation + product design) that I didn’t even mention in the thread, so kudos to you!
Vermont seems really awesome for what I am looking for. Castleton is in the “lake country” of VM, so that seems like an awesome option for me to explore. I’m doubtful about Champlaign because I think the other Burlington option in UVM would be better for me.
Utah seems pretty awesome, but my parents label it as a really Mormon state and say I might have troubles finding people similar to me there. But you made an extremely compelling case that I will relay to them. Also, I know they have a great Games Design school which is something that I am pretty interested in.
P.s. I said Mountains not necessary because I don’t live anywhere near the mountains, so it isn’t something that I need. Lake country in Wisconsin or Minnesota could provide me the same joy as something like Colorado or Utah. Either or is fine!