OP mentioned research so the student might be interested in this program.
I feel like guidance here is to have the sure thing done and OP did sort of start that bit lesser ranked or less selective does not mean less opportunity.
This is a highly sought after program. You don’t need to be in it to do research but obviously it eases the path.
App deadline is a month or so away.
So yea to locking up the sure thing but don’t assume those schools can’t provide you everything and sometimes more that other more selective schools will provide.
In Bama’s case because of the crazy merit Ivy and top level kids abound all over campus. Other flagships have them too. Saving $275-350k plus is more appealing to wanna be top school kids and their parents than debt.
So you are not choosing lesser if you end up at Tulsa or Bama or wherever.
Thx