Were you rejected from Kenyon College and the University of Michigan–or wait-listed at those schools ?
In my opinion, your results should have been better, but it helps if you know what certain schools are seeking when reviewing applications.
As I noted before, you almost certainly would have received a near full ride at Ole Miss’ new BFA program (Ole Miss has a well established MFA program and the MFA profs would have been your instructors. Ole Miss’ BFA program seems focused on all forms of writing including poetry–which you mentioned above). I also wanted to discuss USC with you, but did not receive any reply.
Did you have a neutral party review your applications ?
Did you submit a portfolio / completed written works ? Do you understand what programs are looking for when reviewing portfolios ?
Were your interviews with Kenyon, Princeton, & Northwestern requested admissions office interviews or optional alumni informational interviews ?
I encourage you to read a bit about the late Charles Krauthammer. He was a very talented political writer for the Washington Post and the National Review; if you understand his attributes, then you should understand your results to the extent that any of your work product affected your admission results.
FWIW I have several relatives who are published authors. At least 3 of them earned a Master’s Degree in Journalism at Columbia. All do well financially. Consider that program.
If financially feasible due to merit scholarship awards or other financial aid, Oberlin, Denison, and Iowa might be great options for you. Are you motivated by the environment at any of these schools ?
In my opinion, it is important to be in an environment of highly intelligent, motivated, hard-working peers. If you feel this way, then search for your best match.