If you can possibly afford it, go to Northwestern or Columbia. I would vote Northwestern as a more fun less hard core/competitive place, close to, but not right the middle of, an amazing city, and of course one of best journalism programs in the world. Of course Columbia is also amazing and NYC can’t be matched, but she has to visit and see if she finds it overwhelming. For full disclosure I had a kid graduate from Columbia and one heading to Northwestern.
to me the cost difference is extremely worth it for schools with much more prestige and in much better locations.