Would schools of religion work? Portland, Gonazaga, LMU, SCU, etc.
When you say in city but not in the city - why not Denver? Great merit.
Syracuse - ehhh on merit.
Butler is mid size and solid.
I think the trick for merit is - you have to go where you outpreform.
Arizona too big - but doesn’t feel too big and could do Honors.
U Miami (fl) or Tampa which is a pure safety.
SUNY Albany (capital) or Binghamton.
UVM
Kansas will have merit - a it big. Wyoming, K State, etc. UN Reno.
Edit. I see @AustenNut me ruined a few such as Butler and SUNY A previously. Sorry bout that.