What is your home state?
I am wondering if you should consider UVM and/or UNH and/or U.Maine. At least for us the UVM Net Price Calculator did predict merit aid, was spot on, and brought the total cost close to $40k/year. This was a while ago and it would not surprise me if costs have gone up.
How much merit aid you get might depend upon whether you can get your SAT up some. This might depend upon which university you end up attending.
I would not take on debt to attend an out of state school unless your in-state school just did not have your major, or cost more, or you couldn’t get accepted to your major at your in-state public school.
I think that this is a good plan, particularly if the total cost of attendance matters to you.