[MRM]

Consider a DIII school that has a good engineering program. DIII schools recruit athletes fiercely and give preferential admissions and financial aid, too. They just can't give sports scholarships. If he's tempted to try to walk on a DI school, he may do better with a DIII school where he's a bigger fish in a smaller pond.

Just tossing this out there, but Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute plays DIII and is serious about sports and academics. It might be a good fit for him.

Choosing an engineering school based on its prestige depends on the kid's ambitions. Fint's point that most engineers get about the same education and come out about the same way is largely correct, but going to a more prestigious school will certainly open doors that wouldn't be open if he goes to a less well known school. For most people this isn't an issue, but if he wants to get into senior management or run a business someday, his path will be easier if he goes to a better known school.

The other thing about engineering schools is that each school has a different feel and personality. Some of them are downright oppressive and others are a bit more flexible. Some have 50,000 students, others have 1,500. It's probably more important that he goes to a school where campus life and the school's personality fits him best. He'll do better if he's happy and he'll have a much better college experience. I'd recommend searching first on fit, then look at prestige then do a price/benefit analysis.