UGA does offer merit money for some OOS students. D17 was offered 9K (about half of the differential between our in state flagship). She did not attend but S19 may apply now that we have family (one a UGA alum) living in Atlanta. UGA has the HOPE scholarships for IS students, which has really increased its selectivity (definitely for IS students). Also, Athens is an awesome college town, UGA has a fantastic football team, a lovely campus and great alumni network. But perhaps it is hard if you are from OOS, given its low percentage.