If 'Bama is your safety, a 36 overall on the ACT can get you significantly more merit aid. (A 36 is quite a bit easier to get than a 1600)
I know Notre Dame appreciates athletics achievement, but that might be out of your budget without merit aid. (I’m assuming you’ve done NPCs and found you won’t get need based aid?)
Whether you end up a physician, or else like a PA or CRNA, check out locums tenens - hospitals will often pay a premium for temporary work assignments, which can allow you to both earn more and travel a lot (within the US)