I don’t believe this is true. “Most” cc’ers seem to love it. A few CC’ers who point out some of the downsides of the coop/pre-professional experience routinely get shouted down, shut up, etc.
However, the OP’s dilemma points out something that many of the “Northeastern is great but may not be great for everyone” folks have noted on other threads- starting at a satellite campus in engineering makes it harder to graduate on time, not easier. Starting at a satellite campus for any major may be a huge plus socially or a negative, depending on many factors outside any student’s control. It may or may not be right for the OP-- all we can do is reflect on the differences. And for some kids, not being a freshman in Boston at the main campus is a distinct negative.
Madison is a fantastic place to live btw and the campus is filled with interesting, cosmopolitan people. If Wisconsin is unappealing- then great, don’t go there. But the stereotype of rural hicks is absolutely false, the university is a well resourced, well run place with fantastic faculty.
Boston of course is great. Can’t comment on Oakland- it’s only a year after all.