Totally agree that these are very, very similar schools.
I can’t speak for UIUC, but it’s very easy to switch majors within the COE at Purdue. And you don’t transition to your actual major until the end of freshman year so you have time to decide on your major. Shifting to COS from engineering for chemistry is straight forward as well.
I have a junior chem e at purdue who is doing her tech electives in MSE. If you have any Purdue specific questions I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
We’ve been super, super impressed with our D’s entire experience at Purdue. Great professors, tons of academic support, very collaborative environment and career services are second to none. She’s opted to do a three term co-op and is finishing her second rotation today. She worked for the university her first summer in honor engineering after going abroad for “Maymester”, and this summer is doing an internship with an international chemical company.
Personally, I’d save your parents the $10K/year and Boiler Up ; )