I vote for the full college experience. Live on campus, 4yr school. So much personal growth in these years. And if you don’t know of which major, take business classes while trying out the liberal arts classes. Push for a 4yr and a masters.
To the HS senior, he only one shot at getting in so apply to a bunch of schools. Yes,expensive. Of course, he can go community college then xfer but I think starting off at any 4 yr is better.
High SAT, GPA do mean a lot with professional and tech schools, but the essays can be a great equalizer. Write a killer essay and you’ll get noticed.