i went to a top-twenty liberal arts school in the US and frankly it wasn't worth the $. Further, top-tier private schools dumb you down when it comes to life skills because they coddle you.

If I was this kid I would go to SUNY Binghamton

A good school can help you but you really have to ask yourself if it worth $200,000 USD

Also, this 18 year old may change his mind in two years about his major and decide that he wants to teach high school science, in which case he will be screwed financially.