While we wait to find out whether OP’s family will qualify for any need-based aid, I have another college suggestion. Indiana University is strong in many areas you express an interest in, it has one of the top student newspapers in the country should you wish to continue with the activity, and I think you would be a competitive applicant for the Wells Scholarship, the full ride that they offer. The Wells Scholars are an incredible cohort (usually about 20 students/year) and you would definitely find academic peers at IU (within Wells, the honors college, and elsewhere within the university). It’s a great college town, too. There’s no guarantee you’d get the Wells, but the possibility of a terrific education for free is always nice, particularly if you think grad school might be in your future.
If you’re looking for other top college newspapers, here are some resources:
-
Pacemaker 100: Awards that were part of looking back at the 100-year history of the award
-
Pacemaker Awards by year and by medium specialty: ACP - Awards archive
-
Hearst Intercollegiate Journalism Awards: 2022 - 2023 Hearst Intercollegiate Winners announced - Hearst Journalism Awards Program
IU’s IDS is on all three lists, and UNC-Chapel Hill was also another top school.