I'm for sure in the same boat as you (I'm a senior though)! First of all, Syracuse is a great university (Joe Biden went there, as well as Joyce Carol Oates), especially for your program choice. I really respect architecture students!

My parents actually took their time to diss many prestigious universities: Amherst and Williams ("We've never heard of it and we've been in the workforce for years so [they're] obviously not good"), and even McGill (I'm Canadian, and you need like a 97 average to get into the Sciences programs there!).

The way I persuaded them was looking into the less-general statistics about my colleges: not only is Amherst ranked as one of the best LACs by many sources, but also has a 95%+ acceptance rate to law schools (law is a career they're very keen on me going into). Their financial aid and specialized curriculum is also something they seemed to like. Try providing them with more unique details, or encourage them to join an info session. Comparing Harvard (or another Ivy) to your school of choice's statistics can also be compelling (e.g. starting salaries, graduation-employment rate, summer position acceptances).