Just a note about YU. There are different programs within the Yeshiva (several choices for weaker backgrounds). Therefore, you might want to ask whose shiur he is in.
Personally, I graduated 35 years ago. Many of my classmates are currently roshei yeshiva, rabbanim and leaders of their communities (such as board members of yeshivos and shuls). Recently, my son got semicha at YU. Unlike many yeshivos with one or two year programs, the semicha at YU is four years and covers multiple topics not covered elsewhere.
Over the years, the YU program has become even frummer. Many of the mixed events such as the chanuka chagiga are now separate for men and women at completely different locations. Frankly, the bochurim coming back from E”Y are just frummer and will not attend a modern school.
Bottom line is that you may be happily surprised that the prized “learner-earner” is a good YU bochur.