OP, have you run the net price calculator for Ohio State? While the other schools on your list have some things you may like, none is higher ranked or positions you better for grad school admissions or employment than your in-town flagship. (I went to their arch rival across the state boarder, and rarely have a kind word for OSU, but getting down to academic brass tacks, this seems like a very obvious avenu to pursue). I didn’t realize in-state tuition is only $10k. You might avoid the health insurance fee, travel expenses, and room&board.