De - You might consider Texas A&M. Freshmen are NOT required to live on campus. Although cost does not seem to be that high a consideration for you and your son, A&M is extremely reasonable.
Resident ... Resident at home with parents ... Non-Resident
Tuition & Fees* $10,030 $10,030 $30,208
Loan Fees 64 64 64
Room & Board 10,368 4,626 10,368
Books & Supplies 1,054 1,054 1,054
Travel 2,282 2,282 2,820
Personal Expenses 3,474 3,474 3,474
Total $27,272 $21,530 $47,988
In Engineering - Nat Rank 7-8
Sciences and Math - Both very highly ranked.
Highly ranked in Veterinarian Program, Med and Pre-Med
Not sure on Law School ranking -
High Percentage of National Merit Scholars
BROAD CROSS SECTION of the country
It would be a 'culture shock' for your son - very friendly campus, and very beautiful. Also, still a bastion of conversative values.
The ONLY thing I would not recommend at A&M would be a 'liberal arts' degree - but I wouldn't recommend that at ANY school.
At the risk of offending Mr. Wizard - steer clear of University of Texas - not a good environment today for kids/young adults. Way too liberal - it has turned into the Berkley of Texas - imo.
A&M and University of Texas are both 'land grant' schools in Texas. Both universities are vested in vast land holdings that have mineral rights, and derive hundreds of millions of dollars from oil & gas production. This is fairly unique in this country.
You might want to take a look - it could surprise both you and your son. Could be quite a change at an important point in his life.
Their musical program for non-majors is quite excellent also - Symphony, Marching Band and vocal.
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