I was totally on board with Oberlin for him as you described his large high school and thinking of the focus on undergrads at Oberlin, as well as the integration of conservatory and college. He may find he doesn’t need the double degree, especially if he is enthused by TIMARA and wants grad school. I don’t think he necessarily needs the double degree for financial back up, but if he has another area of study he is passionate about, fine.
But the financial difference sounds significant. When you describe his musical activities he is definitely on the creative side and doing electroacoustic work (as opposed to electronic!). He is doing work that many kids don’t do at the high school level so I am not surprised at his acceptances! He sounds cool!
I kind of hope he can go to Oberlin, despite the financial difference. Have you talked to them? When we dealt with Oberlin the teacher implied they might be able to get more money. (Oberlin has some financial stressors right now with the bakery suit decision). If the financial side is too daunting, PAT will work really really well-stellar program- and has the flexibility for creative focus. So he cannot go wrong. Let us know!