UScranton’s campus is incredible and is affordable. UDayton is not too shabby either. Both are better academically than CUA. So if OP wants a Catholic university like Villanova or a “pretty campus” s/he’s got affordable choices.
But really, with Gemstone at UMD, what a fantastic opportunity. And it’s not like UMD’s campus is ugly - it may not have a polish of private universities but after the Open House you’ll know better. I recommend you attend two classes, one Freshman English class and one intro class in your major. In addition, eat in the cafeteria (not just for the food but also to see if people sit together and chat, or if they shovel food into their mouth while checking their phone for instance), read the college paper, meet with current Gemstone students…