I think it’s also worth pointing out that just because one son didn’t enjoy doesn’t mean the other won’t, especially at a different college. That said, I think it’s always good to keep an eye on opportunities to/difficulty of changing major, just because many students do. I can’t speak to the other colleges on this list but the only really difficult transfer between schools at NYU is into Stern so as long as he starts out there he should be fine. (Disclaimer: assuming he doesn’t decide he wants to do engineering.)
Also to add: as he has visited all and likes all, I don’t see an issue with the list. Some students genuinely just don’t care whether the school is big/small/rurual/urban etc .