Thank you for the helpful feedback!
I am aware of Michigan’s value and I will definitely be applying. However, as an ORM male, I doubt I will receive any merit scholarships from Michigan Engineering - which means I’ll be full-pay in-state.
I had been checking the NPC for what other very selective OOS private colleges (Rice, Vanderbilt, Emory’s Dual Degree Program, USC, etc.) and they might cost a lot less than Michigan IF I get admitted. I may consider these options as well…
Also, are the honors engineering programs at NMS scholarship schools (full-ride/full-tuition at U of Alabama, OU, etc.) worth considering? My understanding is that these schools will award NMF scholarships automatically.