Match an IB junior for Engineering/Physics [WA resident, 3.97 GPA, 36 ACT, 1580 SAT, <$50k]

Congrats on a great record.

I understand WUE but based on what you described, Oregon State seems too large. Olin would be urban, as would MIT and to a lesser extent Cal Tech and Duke (not cold).

The first school I thought of was School of Mines - outside Denver. You’re not a fan of big cities but it’s on the outskirts, etc.

In regards to budget, some of the schools don’t have merit aid - so achieving budget would depend on what kind of need aid you would qualify for. Your parents would have to fill out the net price calculator to see if you’d qualify. I see it was mentioned. SD School of Mines is another - in a smaller city but likely not as strong.

Perhaps a U of Idaho or U of Maine might fit for you. RIT, WPI, even a Rose Hulman.

Good luck.