The school doesn’t matter - if it’s ABET.
So you’ll get merit at schools like Alabama, WVU, Mississippi State, UAH.
You’ll get into Arizona and Arizona State.
As for your geographies, I listed schools above in post 3 to match.
That are you are full pay is good - because cost doesn’t matter.
The school you go to - short of a handful - also doesn’t matter…not in engineering or CS. As an example, my son turned down Purdue with merit, for Alabama. Had 20 interviews, had 5 offers and would have had a six from his intern company if he didn’t tell them he accepted a job in the Fall…one in the 70s, 4 in the 80s, one in the 90s.
Best of luck
PS - there’s a ton more he can get into - but I suggested based on your geography.
Just make sure they have ABET. Environmental pays a bit less I believe but that’s ok. He just needs to find something he loves.
If you want to know great schools - not matching your geography - Bama, Auburn, WVU, Mississippi State, Iowa State, Kansas State…lots of schools like this.
But for CA - you’ve got the schools above - the Arizona/ASU, UNM, UNLV, UNR, an Oregon State if you’re willing to go North, maybe a Colorado State…lots of Texas publics, UNM, New Mexico Mining
Just look for ABET…that’s the key.
He’s got lots of great choices - U of A is very very solid!!