"URI,, that was one of the tours I ditched out on, Jack Daniels bottles lining the paths, beer cans all over the parking lot..."
Hey that is my alma mater, B.F.A. 86. I was fortunate enough to get a full athletic scholarship (football) I picked URI because they had a strong art department, actually much better than most of the other schools I visited on recruiting trips. I was lucky enough to know what field I wanted to be in, so I studied with an end goal in mind. I also realized how lucky I was to have this opportunity, and I was not going to let the people down who had faith in me, my parents and coaches.
My point being is that it is up to the student to make the most out of their education. There is plenty of carousing going on at all schools, actually I saw much more drinking and goofing around at Boston College when I would visit my younger brother there.
Good luck Karl and your son in your search.
P.S. They should have picked up the campus
Chris