Just spitballing here, but there are some engineering experts in this thread who can let you know if any of these are less than great ideas:
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Iowa State: Might be too middle-of-nowhere for you, but this program consistently gets really good reviews for its engineering program, and generous merit aid should definitely be forthcoming for your D.
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New Jersey Institute of Technology: If you’re looking for proximity to urban places, being in the New York metro has tons of opportunities.
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North Carolina A&T: a public HBCU that’s really well-respected and has some strong programs in this area.
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North Carolina State: The triangle area is really booming and with your daughter’s resume (nationally ranked athlete, what will likely be high standardized test scores, great GPA), she could end up being competitive for one of the small number of full-ride scholarships.
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UNC-Charlotte: This one is known for race car engineering. Again, I think your D could be competitive for one of its full-rides. This area is also really growing and lots of major companies in the area.
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Ohio State: Columbus is a really big metro area, and despite the rivalry with Michigan, I’d be shocked if there aren’t a lot of automotive ties with the alums here. This would be another one where your D might be competitive for one of the top scholarships.
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U. of Arizona: Well-reputed honors college and there should be significant merit aid too for your daughter’s GPA.
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U. of New Mexico: Significant merit aid should be available for your D and a more intimate university experience than at most UCs or Cal States.
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U. of Utah: Another well-respected honors college here, and it’s also easy to get in-state residency after the first year.
Privates that could be interesting for your D and might get into your price range with merit (pretty decent chances of admittance, but reachier to get sufficient merit aid, but possible):
- Rensselaer Polytechnic (NY)
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Wentworth (MA)
- Worcester Polytechnic (MA)