MSU and PSU are indistinguishable.
Frankly, all are indistinguishable - just not on rank where Illinois is the highest and A&M and Va Tech next - and then UMN, MSU, and PSU are indistinguishable - IMHO.
Of course, my kid chose Alabama over Purdue (his choice) - and he’s got job offers over Purdue’s average salary last year.
So I contend there is zero issue with going to Michigan State or Penn State if you choose either as it sounds like they are the final two. Let me tell you - while I wished my son had gone to Purdue, my bank account thanks it every day he chose Alabama, especially seeing the job he got.
So cost should be a factor and it’s weighing on your mind.
Direct Admit should absolutely be a factor.
If he’s visited the two finalists, which does he prefer and why?
Is there an industry he’s interested in? Maybe one school focuses on one - for example, and I don’t know this, but Michigan State might be strong with automotive.
Finally - where is he going after - but likely not staying in the US.
You will see kids from Michigan State outperform in year one and year 21 - kids from Illiniois.
These are all ABET schools - and graduates of these schools will all be working side by side.
You keep saying one is better - and I suppose there are better schools than others…just like at the best schools there are better professors than others. But we don’t know which schools those are.
You are making an assessment off a magazine that is trying to sell subscriptions. You do not know which is better - but you keep saying Michigan State is worse. Did your son talk to their students (that can be arranged)? Did they tell them - they are horrible here?
The fact is, these are all great schools - and you should pick the best fit - and finances are a part of fit.
Here is Michigan State’s career report for MechE - I suggest you look at others.