I did not apply to any other schools, but I did a lot of research before I applied. NC only had contracts with UAB, SCO, PCO, and Houston for which I did not complete all prereqs. For me it was the small class size, and although I know the larger schools split you up so that it's not always 150 people in a class, it still meant a lot to me to have a close group of 40 people to ask for help. Also, I did a lot of shadowing at a VA hospital in NC which had an OD residency program, and there were docs there from PCO, UAB, and SCO, and the one from UAB impressed me the most personally.
In addition to all of that, I am getting married before school starts and my future wife is a nurse, and the Birmingham area is packed with hospitals and job opportunities for her as well.
And one last thing, I really liked the idea of being part of a university for the arts, sports, and other campus activities that may not be so present at other schools.
Hope that helps.