@rickroll19: My older son was a National Merit (Virginia) several years ago. We also have a younger son. We told the older son that he needed a financial safety, just in case his dream of attending Duke, MIT or an Ivy did not work out. So, he selected the U. of Alabama, which has a wonderful National Merit program. He never thought he would go there, but … he did. To this day, he will say it was the best decision. He graduated debt free. He also had incredible opportunities through the honors college, including researching with a professor for three years and traveling to Central America, Europe and Asia.
BTW, he wonders if not having the student debt played a role in UVA Law giving him a full tuition/fees scholarship for all three years.
You say you have other children at home. Would selecting ND over OSU put a burden on your finances, as well as your ability to save for those childrens’ educations?