Agreed - I laugh that people say it’s not good.
It’s not top 20 good - but it’s dang good.
Are you constraints self imposed or governmental defined? I ask because I want to spend no more than $40K doesn’t mean you’ll get aid to make your cost $40K. Look at some net price calculators.
In the meantime, you may add Washington & Lee - and apply for the Johnson Scholarship. Other than your in-state schools, the likelihood of $40K anywhere on your list is slim - unless you qualify for need aid. You might hit colleges that provide merit - Miami of Ohio, U of South Carolina, Florida State, College of Charleston, etc. where you’d get a Charleston Fellow and get a great deal. you may also look at Delaware and Dennison.
If you qualify for aid, then my list doesn’t matter - but many say they can afford only x $ but that doesn’t mean they’ll qualify. Gtown and the Ivies have no merit - so if you get no need based aid, no reason to apply…hence check the NPC.