If you’re looking for some more mid-sized schools to consider that might come closer to the attention one might expect at a liberal arts school (at least far moreso than at a Big State university), then these are a few schools you may want to consider.
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Creighton (NE): About 4500 undergrads and a they had 7 students get a Master’s in physics here in the most recent year of IPEDS data. Omaha is definitely not remote either with an 11:1 student/faculty ratio.
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Missouri S&T: This one would be more remote, but is really strong across pretty much all STEM. About 5700 undergrads and had 7 students earn a PhD in physics in the most recent year of IPEDS data. If Purdue is being kept as it’s closer to California, then you would definitely want to consider this school.
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U. of Denver (CO): About 5900 undergrads with a 10:1 student/faculty ratio (ETA, and offers through a PhD in physics). Denver location is not remote and should have lots of good flight connections home.
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U. of Idaho: You might be saying, I thought you said no big state schools? And this one’s not. U. of Idaho has about 8600 undergrads, but offers a full program through a PhD in physics (3 doctorates were earned last year). It has a 16:1 student/faculty ratio and as an extra bonus is a WUE school for additional savings which, though not necessary, is always nice. Since remote in a closer location seems okay, this one’s included.