@tallgrass Hi, I’m a just graduated NMF from OU. The package that they are switching to is essentially identical to the old package that NMF from my year and earlier got.
You are in the ballpark on your estimates. I paid around $9k + incidentals to add up to around $12k. With the increase in fees and inflation, that falls in line with your numbers.
I will say that those numbers did not stay constant. My freshman year was by far my most expensive, as I did not yet have other scholarships through the university and the dorms are wayyyyy overpriced compared to other housing options in Norman. My junior and senior year, my tuition bill and fees for each semester as an OOS NMF were always less than $2k before additional scholarships or stipends. There were some semesters I actually received money back from OU because of my additional scholarships and stipends, which many NMF students are very competitive for. This is not to say that you should plan on it (never want to plan on receiving money that far in advance), but it was a nice benefit to me.
In addition, I want to apologize on behalf of the National Scholars office. They’re usually incredibly helpful and responsive. My guess is that right now they’re very busy planning and setting up the move-in events for the new freshmen.
Happy to answer any other financial questions re: National Merit or other scholarships that any of you have.