@nodebtwanted Here is a good thread with many suggestions for D3 schools that have merit aid, obviously no athletic scholarships. http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/athletic-recruits/1966277-looking-for-d3-schools-with-good-academic-leadership-merit-aid-for-distance-runner-p1.html I will also summon @Midwestmomofboys
D2 might be a good sweet spot for merit and athletic money, IUP is a great suggestion above. Here is a list of d2 schools, you can sort by state. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NCAA_Division_II_institutions
You will have to research the schools for size, merit, athletic fit (can she be recruited). You are right, this is research intensive and time consuming