@MarcusOSU if you are talking about scholarships given to OOS students, Ohio State is definitely NOT notoriously stingy. And from my experience bargaining with them will not work. While a private school likely might, it is very rare, if at all, that a state school will bargain on merit aid. And I know of few other State schools in the nation -and certainly none of which are higher ranked–such as U Alabama-Tuscaloosa, Florida State U., Temple, who provide a similar type/amount of automatic merit aid that Ohio State does. Taking the National Buckeye ($11,400 for the National Buckeye) plus additional scholarships (Trustee, Provost, Maximus) ranging from $1,900 to $5,700, stacked on top of that, the OOS tuition comes down to almost the same level as in-state tuition, making the school an affordable and attractive option for students from states like PA or IL, who’s Instate tuition is way too high, or from States like NY, who’s SUNY schools do not have a single flagship that provides the full college experience that OSU does, with more top ranked programs and academic breadth and depth of courses and programs offered on a single campus, more modern updated academic, recreational, residential facilities, more student organizations, more Greek/social opportunities in combo with college town/city life, and rah rah school spirit associated with a top Division 1 Sports program and opportunities to attend fun sporting events. For all these reasons, Ohio State is a very attractive option. And as for your comment that OP would be in the running for better schools, Ohio State offers honors, scholars and other top programs that can provide as good an undergrad education, for an affordable price, as any other school OP may be considering.
The National Buckeye + Maximum scholarship made OSU significantly cheaper than our in-state flagship. Since it was my son’s #1 choice, it was a no brainer to support his decision to go there. That being said, it does seem that their criteria for awarding scholarships may not be as black and white as their website would lead you to believe, primarily when the applicant’s high school doesn’t rank. Although their website does include language such as “Scholarships are not guaranteed.”, "are awarded on a competitive basis . . . ", “those considered . . .” which presumbably allows them to have discretion in how they are awarded.