He needs to check with the engineering dept to make sure this is possible. Some schools only allow a certain number to switch or have a gpa cutoff to do so.
You also asked "Would you say that they are higher quality than other state flagships? " Engineering programs are accredited by ABET so no matter where one goes they take roughly the same classes. There are a handful of premier schools for engineering and employers view the rest as broadly equivalent. Success in landing that first job depends on hard work for good grades and having an internship or two, not where you went.
Is your son going to be in the area when school is in session? That would be more reflective of what the college is really like. I’ve also heard of prospective students emailing an officer in a few engineering-related clubs (IEEE, ASME, etc) a week or two before their visit to see if someone might be interested in meeting for coffee and giving a student’s perspective on the school.
size of classes, size of discussion sections (when applicable), access to maker spaces and labs, support of competition teams, and access to professors and advising systems DO vary; let’s not pretend student experience is identical, even if the Calc sequence is… ditto on research being done…. this does vary if that is of interest..
Another thing to look at is where grads end up - a lot of schools are really very regional. Even if they have 90% in a job in 6 months if, 85% stay in state. That is great if you want to stay in that state at some big random companies …less helpful if you want to go back to your home state or a specific industry…Obviously very, very possible, but may be harder.
I 100% agree ABET ensures a level of quality.. but other things DO matter and I think a lot of people (maybe not you) discount other attributes a lot..IMO…those other things impact grades if nothing else:)
This doesn’t matter. What matters is the cost. Some schools, like a Purdue or Florida State, are cheaper full pay than others with merit. You need to find schools to hit a budget vs worrying about generic statements about aid, etc.
Not UMASS but it’s not sticksville either.
Its food is top rated. A co worker vouches.
Engineering will have theory and some project work unless a school is known to be hands on - like a WPI. But you can join a racing or other club team to get that.
Maybe he should look an engineering tech degree if he wants hands on. Most engineers professionally aren’t.
If you’re in the area, nothing wrong with walking the campus and surrounds.