You didn’t bomb out - you gave it your shot for the school you thought was great.
And for a job with an aero company, I don’t think it much matters the school. In fact, at the company next to my sons, he met kids from Columbia and they work with kids from all school - as does my son - from Akron to Michigan.
And since cost isn’t a factor but you’ll seek aid - if you’re full pay - be glad Duke turned you down.
Ohio State is a great school, likely will have merit and potentially will land you the same level position as any school on the list.
RPI, CU, UB, and Syracuse should happen
Michigan and NEU will be tough as will Georgia Tech and Northwestern. The three (not Ga Tech) will also be outrageously expensive assuming you don’t qualify for aid (which won’t happen at Michigan).
Bang for the buck - Ohio State will be a great get!! Frankly, better than Michigan.
In hindsight, my son turning down Purdue to attend Alabama likely had zero impact on his earnings as he works with kids (at the same salary) at an aero company with Michigan, Purdue, Washington, Case Western, NC State but also Akron, Utah, W Michigan. And I saved, even after Purdue merit, $80K. I didn’t think it was a wise decision but turns out he was right.
So you got a great get, you’ll save your family the financial heartache that Duke was likely to cause, and all will be fine!!! Michigan and the two NUs will likely cause similar price shock (if not aid qualified).
If money does come into play, UB will be a great get too. You could do great from there!!!
Congrats and best of luck on the remaining. Engineering is a brutal major - and those who can get through and have the realization to look for jobs, not just study, will do great - from most anywhere I believe.