We “took the money” at an OOS public flagship (UK). Our D is finishing up her freshman year and she has had some very nice opportunities present themselves.
In addition, unlike HS, she seems to have her academic load balanced with just enough free time to get involved in several campus organizations and hold down a part-time job off campus.
It’s just hard for me to imagine this path unfolding for her at one of her top choices where she would have been in the middle of the pack, surrounded by excellent students everywhere.
My disclaimer is we cannot afford to pay our EFC (so moot point) and I’m a big fan of both academic diversity and economic diversity.
Good luck with your decision!